Life goes by Quickly and Rest in Peace

Every time I hear of a friend, aquaintance, a relative passing on, I am reminded of just how short life can be, and the importance of living every moment of everyday to the fullest.  

Consider this thought by Lauren Oliver:  "Maybe you can afford to wait.  Maybe for you there's a tomorrow.  Maybe for you there's one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around it, let it slide like coins through your fingers.  So much time you can waste it.  But for some of us there's only today.  And the truth is, you never really know."

I recently found out that a young woman I went to rehabilitation with passed away at the start of December.  She had been sober just 1 day more than myself, and we became friends.  Throughout the past 4.5 years we would chat over email, text, or Instagram.  She didn't relapse, but she was taken suddenly in an accident at the age of 44 years. RIP Amy.

On Christmas Day, another friend in her 60's died.  Vibrant, living every day mindfully, full of joy and energy. We visited a year ago walking through her amazing garden and the pride came through loud and clear of a happy life which included a couple of years of her retirement.  Disease hit, and within 2 months she was gone.  RIP Lorna.

Also in December, one of my counsellors at rehab passed after a very long journey with the Big C.  She is at peace now, I just know it.  I also heard that she wanted to live until her 30 year sobriety day, and she indeed did just before she passed.  
​RIP Jo.

On January 2, I spoke with my friend, Margaret on the anniversary of her dear husband's passing. Although the grief is slowing a bit, it never really goes away.  However there seem to be more and more positive memories of him as time goes on.  RIP John.

Finally, January 10 was the anniversary of my Mom's passing in 2020.  It was her passing that got me motivated to start considering taking better care of myself, and by July I was in rehab.  Hardly a day passes that I don't think of Mom.  But at this point the memories are the good ones.  Baking for the holiday season, I was reminded of particular recipes that were Mom's....
RIP Mom.

Time does heal.  As the days, months and years go on, it is less about mourning for me, and more about being grateful that those that are gone were in my life, and influences who I am today.

REST IN PEACE.. You all had a place in my heart and my soul.