I just got some terrible news that a blog follower and fellow Chicagoan, though one that I did not know personally, was killed in a terrible and tragic accident. She was finishing at the car wash, getting into her car - when another vehicle careened off the road and struck her. She was pronounced dead on the scene.
Immediately when I read the email sharing this terrible news, my eyes welled up with tears and I was overcome with a sadness that I cannot shake. Though I did not know this woman personally, she was an avid blog follower, fellow boater and her husband and I have shared several emails over the past few months. This is the second freak accident I have been within six degrees of. The last was my best friend's uncle who was struck while at a stop sign on an afternoon motorcycle ride with a friend. Taken too soon. Tragic. Senseless. Terrible.
What I feel is empathy. There is nothing that strikes me (and I imagine, most people) harder than a sudden, senseless death. Perhaps it is because I lost one of my best friends in such a way, perhaps it's because I am an emotionally sensitive person who (at times) can actually feel the pain of others. I get deeply affected by what I call the "vibrations" of other people's emotions. Whatever the case - I am absolutely gutted and thought that this would be a good time to reiterate a message:
Life is short.
Life is precious.
Tell the people you love that you love them every single day.
Get out there and DO what you feel in your heart.
Smile and laugh and love with hopeless abandon.
Don't proceed with caution, but know that no life is guaranteed.
Pick up that phone and call that friend, relative, loved one you have been meaning to.
Mend that relationship. Bury that hatchet. Let go of that grudge.
Everything...everything...can change in the blink of an eye.
Try to live out every day as if it could be your last.
I know we all "know" these things but, unfortunately, we are often reminded to appreciate all of life's gifts in the wake of tragedy.
Sorry for the downer, but right now - everything else seems pretty trivial.
Love,
Brittany & Scott
5 comments:
Arlington Heights had a horrible accident as well. On Windsor, just north of Northwest Hwy a 16 year old boy from Prospect HS was killed in a freak auto accident. Very sad time in the Chicagoland area these past few days.
We learned this week that a very good friend is in the midst of a serious health battle and I had many of the same thoughts. I don't know how many times I've hugged Carol this week but it has to be off the charts.
Livia
Ever since my uncle was killed I am painfully aware of how precious each minute is and how quickly everything can change. It scares the crap out of me. Miss you and love you tons and tons.
There is nothing wrong with being sensitive! Great advice though, add, and dance as if nobody is watching! Know that it is only time that will heal all!
Nice post take care!
I so understand where you are right now....
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