It's so important to be grateful for every moment you
have. Things can change in the blink of an eye.
Many folks in Florida are well aware of this after the wrath of Hurricane Ian. Some lost loved ones (my heartfelt condolences if you lost a
family member or a friend); others lost their homes. Many folks who didn't lose their homes are dealing with major damage.
No doubt. Everything could be fine one day and not fine the next. My heart goes out to all Floridians as they continue with the process of picking up the pieces and hopefully
moving towards calmer, more peaceful tomorrows.
A little over a week ago, during Family Weekend at my daughter's college, everything was joyful. When my husband and I arrived, our daughter ran out of the dorm to greet us with the biggest, longest, warmest hug. It was such an amazing
moment.
Since then, it's that one moment I keep thinking about.
Throughout the weekend, all of us parents (and our other extended family members) were having an amazing time with our kids...watching the college football game, eating meals together, listening to entertainment, playing cornhole and other activities, and just enjoying each other.
Everything was beautiful.
Then, on the last day of Family Weekend, a student's dad, who was staying at a very nice Courtyard Marriot just happened to be in the hotel lobby. Unfortunately, and unbeknownst to him, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
For no apparent reason whatsoever...this innocent man found himself in the path of gunfire. He was shot twice. This dad had no connection to the shooter. It was a random act of violence. He died shortly after.
This husband and dad was only 53 years old...with
a wife, three sons, and many other extended family members. He loved his dogs. I cannot begin to imagine what his family is going through. I don't know them personally, but I consider all families at my daughter's college part of our family. I am absolutely heartbroken for them.
A Go Fund Me page was started by a friend of this dad. The money raised will go towards college tuition for his sons. If you feel
so inclined to contribute, I know it will be appreciated. Even if you can't, please say a prayer of strength for this
family.
Sometimes we don't think about what is precious to us, until we don't have them...a warm roof, a hot shower, access to clean water, having food at-the-ready in our refrigerators and
pantries, electricity, clean clothes to wear, technology, our own safety and security, our five freedoms, and the people that we love the most.
Count your blessings. Write them
down. State them out loud.
Hug your loved ones...humans and pets. Hug them a lot.
Get TO DOs related to your goals, and activities you love, on your calendar.
Be understanding and open-minded. Be slow to anger.
Nurture your connections with family and friends.
Do at least one kind deed every single day.
Put more emphasis on people than things.
Help others whenever you can.
Mindfully "be with" people you love; whether you're physically with them in person or not.
Smile. It's good for you and it may be just what someone else needs.
Appreciate every single moment that you're given. Each one is a precious gem.
