One's death makes another look at life.

Good morning friends and family,

Well, I really should get started on today's to-do list but I'm going to bump those down in priority to after I say 'hello' here. I feel the need to think and write for just a brief moment. And share.

My best friend from my childhood lost her best friend, her husband, to cancer last night. Another young parent gone. Maybe as you get older, this is a normal part of life. It doesn't feel normal. Is it? Parents with young children dying? Tell me.

Here's the list of amazing families in my immediate circle who have lost a young parent:

Jason Young. Husband to my dear college friend, Joy. Parent of a four month old.

Kevin Donnelly. I didn't know him but I am an acquaintance of his wife, Catherine. Catherine has deeply touched my life in how she continues to live and love. Five children, one born a few months after the death of her husband.

Paul Coakley. Friend from here in Wisconsin. Ann, a mom friend. Four children, one born a few months after Paul's death.

Tracie Morrison. A dear friend of Doug's from camp. Six children and an awesome husband.

Rob Yale: husband of my dear childhood friend, Melissa. Two small children.

Why am I telling you about these people? Because I find it interesting that each of these people impacted the world in amazingly beautiful ways. They stood out. I don't quite get it. Why these people in particular? I think maybe it is to wake the rest of us up. I know it works for me. Their absence speaks as loudly as their presence

Each of these people were dynamic people who lived life to the fullest. I didn't know Kevin Donnelly but I watch how his wife lives her life and this is what she does. These people were passionate.  Every single one of them were talented, gifted people. They shone in this world but not just becuase of their talents. They shared that talent by loving people. They loved Jesus and you could see the love pumping through their veins.

I feel a little selfish now as I have before that immediately following a death in that I look at my own life. I think much about the life of the person and pray hard for the loved ones left behind but I also spend a good deal of time looking at my own life. I am tempted to feel badly that I'm self-absorbed and selfish but you know, I think that is what each of these people would want. They would want to have lived and died in such a way that others are brought to a place where they consider the brevity of their own existance and make changes where necessary.

Anyhow two quotes are coming to my heart today and making an imprint on my mind. . . I don't have the time to look the words up for the exact quote but here's the gist of each.

St. Catherine of Siena: Be who God made you to be and you will set the world afire.

St. Therese of Liseux: Make life simple. Find out who God made you to be and become that person.

So that's where I am. How am I living my life? Am I living life to the fullest? Am I living how God meant me to?  Who does God want me to be?  Do I really understand Jesus' love for me? Do I share that love with others?

These are my prayers but also I am going back to a recent prayer. The last couple months I have felt a strong burden to pray for greater charity (love).  A stronger, deeper love for God and for others. So if you  are taking prayer requests. . . that's mine. For growth of the virtue of charity in my life. Thanks.

What is your prayer today? Do share and I will pray with you.  Hugs to you all!!

***If you want to support Melissa and the kids, you can support their small business. Melissa is selling single-bud headphones on amazon. Her company is called "Sharktooth."  Here's the original blog post with the information.