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.