Every Day Matters: The Importance of Living Every Day Like It's Your Last

Today was much like any other day in many ways. Tammy, Reese, Will, Hannah and I went for a walk (a little more than 2 miles) before hitting the grocery together. Later, I took Reese and Will to the Duluth square for an hour or so to splash around with a bunch of Cub Scouts and their siblings. Plus, there was the usual fights and temper tantrums. These were pretty typical events for a Saturday. However, I appreciated all of it (even the fights and temper tantrums) more today than usual.




Brenna Jo and Charles Thomas.


And the reason why is really heartbreaking. Before I did anything else this morning, I logged into Facebook and found a message from one of my cousins that another cousin had passed away last night. She was pregnant, and they were unable to save her baby either. Her husband found her in the bathtub.

I have to admit I didn't know Brenna Jo Thomas as well as some of my other cousins, but I knew her well enough from family reunions and through limited contact on Facebook that she was a very devoted wife and a happy spirit. She was beautiful, active, and leaves behind two young children and a husband, who has to be devastated and in shock right now.

News like this, especially to someone so young and kind, is bound to shake any person. But in my search for more details as to what happened, I saw that my cousin Sarah (who broke the news) was already turning her attention in the correct direction: "This day has definitely reminded me how precious life is. ... Tell those you care about how much they mean to you! I love you all!"

There's no way to make complete sense of children losing their mother, a husband losing his wife, and parents losing their child. It's a tragedy. But at the same time, we can only move in one of three directions: forward, backward, or not at all. I encourage everyone to use each day to move forward--even if just a little bit.

Take my cousin's advice and let people know every day how much you appreciate them. Be happy that they're alive. Be thankful that you're alive. Do what you can to enjoy your life and make the world a better place.

Will, Reese and Tim (one of my Cub Scouts) earlier today.

Today was much like any other day for me, and I am so thankful I was able to experience it.

*****

While I did not write this poem for my cousin Brenna, I couldn't help thinking of it while I was going throughout my day today. Please send prayers, good thoughts, and whatever else you can to Brenna's family and her parents, who are all having to deal with this tragic situation.

I think the world is a pin cushion

There's a space between everyday matters
that makes someone feel every day matters,
a breath or sigh in the darkness. We surround
our time with excuses and distractions, bind
those we love with commitments when we should be
splashing around in dark puddles while the rain
covers us in nothing more than what it is.