Sometimes you get news that knocks you in the head and sets your priorities straight. Yesterday, a friend from California sent me a Facebook message letting me know Smarty Boy’s former batting and pitching coach died in his sleep this weekend. I gasped aloud when I read the news. This man was in his late 40s or early 50s. My friend estimated he was three years older than I am.
Three years.
Three.
Now that’s a wake-up call.
Most days, I live like I’ve got another forty years on this earth. Making plans, doing chores, running errands, hanging out with my guys.
As much as I try to keep my hand on my life and everything going on around me, the reality is, I don’t drive this bus all by myself. I don’t get to choose when I’m going to punch in on that great time clock in the sky.
What I can do, what I can choose, is how I’ll spend right now. And when I’ll say enough is enough.
Today, my enough is 1500 words on my newest draft, goals sent to my goals partner and a short blog post for Brain Candy. As for the rest of my time, I’m giving that to Tech Guy and Smarty Boy.
Remember to make time for what’s most important to you. You never look back on your life and regret giving too many hugs or saying “I love you” too many times.
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Today is For Pete’s Sake Day. Normally, I’d make my normal tongue-in-cheek comments about a funny holiday. But I’ll just say this: For Ron’s sake, tell the people around you how much they matter to you.
Oh, Kels. This is such a wonderful post. I’m a little too obsessed with losing people I love, so I think these thoughts a lot. But it does help me check myself when I get too involved and uptight about things that aren’t really important.
Here’s a big cyber hug for you. Wishing you a day filled with goal-reaching and loving the ones who are special to you!
Tracy –
I agree. And I’ve been a little more thoughtful the last day or so about telling my guys I love them and giving plenty of hugs. Making people feel special really doesn’t take all that much time.
It really is the little things most of the time.
Hugs,
K-
Kelsey Browning recently posted..Death Delivers a Wake-Up Call
Wow. That poor man. It does bring things into perspective. Makes me glad I promised my boy I’d take him to the movies this afternoon.
Thanks for the reminder about keeping the priorities straight!
Adrienne Giordano recently posted..Hello world!
Hope you and the boy have a great time today. Smarty Boy & I are trying to do at least on special thing together each week.
What are y’all going to see?
K-
Kelsey Browning recently posted..Death Delivers a Wake-Up Call
Hi Kelsey -
I loved your post today and it reminds us all how fleeting life can be. After having cancer surgery in my 40′s and quadruple by-pass in my 50′s I treasure each day with a new perspective of what’s important in life.
After had had my cancer surery I made a pledge to myself to take Tim McGraw’s advice in his song and to “Live Like You Were Dying” and to tell family and friends how much I love them.
Don’t put it off until tomorrow – tell people how much you love them today.
Oh, Jeanne -
You so know first hand how precious the days we’re given are!
I bet your friends and family treasure your perspective on life and your willingness to tell them how you feel.
Bigs hugs of admiration!
Kels
Kelsey Browning recently posted..Death Delivers a Wake-Up Call
I love your post today. I know this will probably sound really stupid, but on January 2nd our Westie died. She and I had been extremely close, and although she had several chronic illnesses, her death was unexpected. My daughter and I talked about it, and we both decided we wanted to live a “nickie-fied life”. Nickie viewed every person and animal (no matter how big or small) as a potential new best friend. She found excitement and joy in everything, and her enthusiasm for life was contagious. I still have my low moments where I don’t feel like I can live without her, but then I pick myself up and remind myself to see the world through her eyes.
Sherri -
Losing our pets can leave a terrible hole in our lives. And from what I understand, Westies are just high-energy and sweet dogs. I’m so sorry to hear about Nickie. But that’s so fabulous that you and your daughter are using her as an example of how to live a more joyful life.
I’d love to see a picture of sweet Nickie some time!
Kelsey
Kelsey Browning recently posted..Death Delivers a Wake-Up Call
I don’t know if you can see my facebook page or not, but her picture is the photo for it
https://www.facebook.com/sherri.c.lewis.9
Oh, she’s a cutie and a half, Sherri! She sure brought a smile to my face today.
K-
Kelsey Browning recently posted..Death Delivers a Wake-Up Call
My died died young, only seven years older than I am now. Life is short. Make the most and do your best.
Mary Jo Burke recently posted..Hello world!
Mary Jo –
I get you. Tech Guy’s mom was only 10 years older than I am now when she died. She never got to meet Smarty Boy (who she would’ve eaten up with a big spoon). I think the best way we can honor those who’re gone is to live life with joy and passion.
Hugs,
K-
Kelsey Browning recently posted..Death Delivers a Wake-Up Call
Kels, I watched Schindler’s List again this weekend. Hadn’t seen the movie since it first released 20 years ago. Talk about putting things in perspective. Sheesh. My husband also watched a documentary on the South African Apartheid era. Sheesh again. The atrocities those folks went through are literally unfathomable to me. I tell ya, it’ll be a while before you hear me whining about my inconsequential worries.
Sorry for your loss, my friend.
Tracey -
You make a great point. As humans, I don’t think we can totally refrain from comparing ourselves to others. Sometimes, that comparison is destructive. But other times, like in your examples, it reminds us to be so thankful for who we are and the lives we lead.
I think Schindler’s list needs to be on my to-watch list soon.
Hugs,
K-
Kelsey Browning recently posted..Death Delivers a Wake-Up Call
Great post and sad way to be reminded how precious things can disappear so unexpectedly.
I wish you ENOUGH — every day.
You’re one awesome lady. I’m so glad to know you and get the chance to enjoy the wisdom you so freely share with us.
Hugs and happy writing~
Nancy
Thanks, Nan. And yes, I’m big on the concept of enough these days. As in “I am enough,” as Brene’ Brown would say.
Sometimes that means I have to just slam the door on my over-achiever and BE.
Big mid-week hugs,
K-
Kelsey Browning recently posted..Death Delivers a Wake-Up Call
Funny, I found out about a prior boss’s death last week. I’d been talking about him to some others and being the life of the party, and he was already gone.
I spent today with my DH and enjoyed every moment. And the kid got hug when he got home. Sigh.
Joan Leacott recently posted..Tame the Beast
Joan –
Yes, that (a former boss’s death) happened to me recently too. And he was another man who passed out of this world way too young.
But think of how you honored your former boss by being with your family!
Death can be an inspiration
.
Hugs,
K-
Kelsey Browning recently posted..Death Delivers a Wake-Up Call