Lessons from Life for Life

While we each amble through our day to day lives there are some of us who forget to stop and look around. We fail to realize the importance of really taking in our surroundings, appreciating what is right in front of us. Not only the physical surroundings but more importantly the lessons that are being instilled.
No one is ever too young to begin compiling this knowledge and putting it to use. Unfortunately for some, whether it be due to ignorance or just plain oversight, it would seem as though the understanding of these simple lessons is out of reach.
I truly believe that over the years I have acquired a firm grasp on some of life’s most important lessons.

Respect your Elders
These people are the cornerstone’s of our society. They have lived through much more difficult and trying times then most of us could even imagine.
If you really take the time to sit and listen to the stories that they have collected over the years you would be amazed and more likely then not left with a whole new perspective on life.
If you can put the difference in age aside, we’re really not all that different.

Turn the other Cheek
From time to time we come across people who for some reason or another wrong us. It’s hard to say what causes people to be so blind to another’s feelings however it does happen. What do we stand to gain as an individual by holding a grudge or seeking revenge? Are we not, by doing these things, ultimately betraying ourselves? Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed, don’t waste your time or others by looking for retribution. Play the role of the peace keeper not that of a combatant.

Love is Patient, Love is Kind…
A recent life changing event has forced me to ask myself “how can I be a better wife, better mother, better sister, better daughter”? I’m not sure that there is really one solid answer to these questions nevertheless to love someone regardless of the loved one’s qualities or actions is essential.
To be there when you are needed and know when to take a step back and give them the space they require is also notable.

Money doesn’t Grow on Trees
As obvious and redundant as this may sound it is actually extremely valid. Too often do we tend to get caught up in our wants rather than our needs. Make an attempt to prioritize what you really do require as opposed to what you believe you need.

Children are Gifts from God
There is no better feeling in this world then to see the smile on your son or daughters face, the sound of their laughter, feel their arms wrapped around your neck or to hear “I love you” when you need to hear it most.
Children themselves teach us life lessons daily. To live in the moment. A perpetual sense of discovery. Living in the heart and the secret of unconditional love.
God couldn’t have chosen a better gift then the gift of a child. Make sure to cherish every minute you are privileged to spend with your babies.

I’m sure there are dozens of other life lessons that I have not listed above however I truly believe that these five are a few of the most important.

Our Darkest Hour

The sun is shining outside but inside our hearts it feels as though a thunder cloud is looming. Not even just looming but letting loose the most powerful storm you could ever imagine.
Your very soul feels as though it has been taken over by something dark and gloomy. Like a piece of you is missing and will never be returned.
You wake up in the morning and for a single moment you fool yourself into thinking how beautiful a day it will be and then it hits you… all over again. The pain is new and fresh, like the day before but stronger, more nagging.
How can this be happening? It must all be a cruel dream and eventually I will wake up. I have to wake up. Wake up or drown in this sea of emotion that is trying to pull me under.
I realize that I need to be strong. Strong for my husband and children.
He has lost his Daddy, the man who taught him to catch a football and run the bases. The man who he looked up to for advise on school, girls and life. So many things I’m sure should have been shared between this father and son before their time was cut short. How do I tell him that everything will be okay? How do I look him in the eyes and promise him that eventually the pain will go away? Do I know this to be true? I do not. What I believe to be true is that the pain will never really go away but that we will learn to live without him as hard as that may be.
They have lost their Poppy. How do you even begin to explain this to children at such a tender age? There isn’t really anyway to explain to them that they will never again see the man who kissed their booboo’s, pushed them on the swing or teased them lovingly. The bond they had was unbreakable and now I feel as though their hearts are breaking. They will now rely solely on the memories that they have created together and the photos that have been taken to fill the void that was left when he was so abruptly taken from us.
As for me…what have I lost? A piece of my heart. A role model. A friend. A Dad.