For my adult life, my parents only call when there's bad news, or they need directions in D.C. I talk to them a few times a week, but they let me call them since Mom says she doesn't know my schedule or worries that she'll be interrupting.
When my Dad left a message yesterday asking me to call back, I had a sinking feeling that something was wrong. But for some reason, I hadn't expected what my Dad told me a few hours later.
My sweet uncle lost a long battle with cancer Saturday night.
I hadn't talked to him in too long and the last time I saw him was my sister's wedding almost two years ago. As a kid, I always thought he was so cool and loved spending time with him whenever we visited my grandparents in New York.
So today, I'm still heartbroken as it all sinks in, but my last memory of my uncle was dancing the night away with my uncle and his girlfriend. Laughing and smiling and forgetting that he was sick and celebrating love with the family that means everything to me.
This year so far is full of so much promise and yet has already been packed with harsh realities and heartache. I'll allow myself to be sad for a bit but then focus on all the good memories and take solace that my uncle won't feel anymore pain.
Part of my wants to skip five things today, but knowing how short and precious life is, the other part of me feels foolish to let a moment pass not appreciating the good things.
1. Moxie had a strange foot injury over the weekend and the vet had us a bit worried about a possible knee problem. Turns out, she's fine and the vet bill was less than anticipated.
2. The weather was good for my first training run for the upcoming Shamrock Shuffle 8K in Chi-town with Alicia and Eileen.
3. My favorite travel magazine contacted me out of the blue offering a freelance assignment.
4. In working on a skating event idea, I reached out to a former Olympian and he wrote back within the hour to tell me he'd be happy to help.
5. Found two 1890-1910 era Ball mason jars and a few other treasures during a winter sale at The Barn, my favorite antique/second hand shop in town. Krtistie and I came home with some great finds and also treated ourselves to new earrings and I found a great scarf on sale at another downtown shop. It had been a heavy week even before my Dad called so it was nice to have some girl time to let some of that load go.
How do you deal with loss? What made you appreciate your life in the last week?
When my Dad left a message yesterday asking me to call back, I had a sinking feeling that something was wrong. But for some reason, I hadn't expected what my Dad told me a few hours later.
My sweet uncle lost a long battle with cancer Saturday night.
I hadn't talked to him in too long and the last time I saw him was my sister's wedding almost two years ago. As a kid, I always thought he was so cool and loved spending time with him whenever we visited my grandparents in New York.
So today, I'm still heartbroken as it all sinks in, but my last memory of my uncle was dancing the night away with my uncle and his girlfriend. Laughing and smiling and forgetting that he was sick and celebrating love with the family that means everything to me.
This year so far is full of so much promise and yet has already been packed with harsh realities and heartache. I'll allow myself to be sad for a bit but then focus on all the good memories and take solace that my uncle won't feel anymore pain.
Part of my wants to skip five things today, but knowing how short and precious life is, the other part of me feels foolish to let a moment pass not appreciating the good things.
1. Moxie had a strange foot injury over the weekend and the vet had us a bit worried about a possible knee problem. Turns out, she's fine and the vet bill was less than anticipated.
2. The weather was good for my first training run for the upcoming Shamrock Shuffle 8K in Chi-town with Alicia and Eileen.
3. My favorite travel magazine contacted me out of the blue offering a freelance assignment.
4. In working on a skating event idea, I reached out to a former Olympian and he wrote back within the hour to tell me he'd be happy to help.
5. Found two 1890-1910 era Ball mason jars and a few other treasures during a winter sale at The Barn, my favorite antique/second hand shop in town. Krtistie and I came home with some great finds and also treated ourselves to new earrings and I found a great scarf on sale at another downtown shop. It had been a heavy week even before my Dad called so it was nice to have some girl time to let some of that load go.
How do you deal with loss? What made you appreciate your life in the last week?
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