My journey to the grave won't be with a well preserved body. I'll skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand & wine in the other, totally worn out & screaming, "WOOHOO! WHAT A RIDE!"
This is the quote on my friend Alyssa's Facebook page. She died on Thursday in a car accident leaving three kids without their mom. She was a rock climber, Search and Rescue volunteer, ultrarunner, super mom and friend to so many. I never actually met Alyssa face to face but had an extensive email friendship with Alyssa a couple of years ago. I have a Facebook message in my inbox right now from her that I didn't get a chance to reply to. She was always willing to help others and give solid advice when asked.
Alyssa's untimely death at age 40 has made me think. I wonder if I am doing enough, am I trying hard enough, do I spend enough time with my son, husband and friends, do I keep my house too clean and miss out on other more important things? Do I exercise too much, not enough? Spend too much time on my forum or not enough?
It's time to plan 2011. Races, goals, work, things that need to be accomplished. I will look at this planning differently this year. Thank you Alyssa for making me want to do more and be a better person. You will be missed by so many, especially your kids. Thank you for touching my life.
Seize the day. Do something for someone else. Be a good person. Set your goals high. Laugh. Skip. Play. Make someone smile.
Dusty, I am so sorry about your friend. The death of a close friend of mine caused me to reevaluate my priorities too. Phil and I are trying to adopt internationally because I do want my life to matter before it is too late. Make a difference in the way that you are called to and honor your friend's memory. Run on, my friend.
ReplyDeleteYou are left behind to keep running and to keep sharing...I am sorry for the loss her family is going to suffer through, the this confirms that each of us impact another. IT ALL MATTERS!
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