Six months ago, I wrote about a Life Lesson learned once again.
Life Lesson

I wrote it because a friend of mine had passed unexpectedly the night before. All who knew her were in a state of disbelief. She was such a vibrant personality how could it be she would no longer be here, helping others?

I meant to convey that life is short, we must use it, live it, love it as best we can in the relatively short time allotted to us. So I posted the article.

And then just two days later, and now 6 months ago today, I received the devastating news my nephew had passed.

At 20 years of age.
Unexpectedly.

I suppose it’s natural to believe that if one dies at an old age that they must have lived a good life. If only because of its length.

It’s hard to think that when the person is just 20. There’s not enough time to really live a life, is there?

But, as that week, 6 months ago, has shown it’s not only possible it can often happen.

A good life isn’t just reflected in a quantity of years but also in the quality of a life lived.

I learned this from all the testimonial accounts of the many friends who traveled to my nephew’s funeral, the hundreds of friends and family members who attended his services, or the many, many individuals who commented and posted, and are still posting, tributes to him and from all of those who offered prayers for him and his survivors.

I re-learned another lesson too.

To not assume to know what motivates others, to avoid judging others or assume I know their intentions.
And as a result, to try to live my life simply by treating others as I would want to be treated.
To love and to forgive.

My nephew was by all accounts a kind, loving, gentle person. He didn’t judge, he just cared.
For everyone. His life, and death, continue to bring people together.

Life lesson?
Life can be short.
We don’t know how long we’ll be around.
Live it, Love it.
As best you can.
You might make a difference.

My nephew did.
Godspeed.

JT