Loss

Every year around this time for the past five years a group of bikers come together to honor one of their fallen.  The fifth annual Roger Iveson Memorial Poker Run was this past weekend and I had to miss it.  Again.  Uncle Roger was a very special person to me and he was one of my parent’s best friends.  He was taken from us all too soon and we honor him and his family the only way we know how.  Looking over the pictures of the run last weekend, I just felt so blessed.  To see the people who I love and who love me come together to honor one amazing man. 

This past week my good friend lost his grandpa.  The man who he credits as the person who molded him into the man that he turned out to be.  The man who defines his very being.  I comforted him the best I knew how.  Sometimes the only way we can help is by listening.  So I listened to stories about his grandpa, a man I’d never met before, and I came to feel the loss and love of a great man too.  I couldn’t help but notice a pain of guilt for being so far away from his grandpa when it happened.  

We all know some version of the story about love and loss, taking things for granted and guilt.  But the sad reality is that we cannot control such things.  The only thing we can do is love and appreciate one another EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Make memories, give each other hugs, and laugh with each other today because you might not always get that chance tomorrow.  We get so entranced in the bullshit of everyday life and it makes us forget what’s really important.  Family, faith, and friendship.  You really don’t need a whole lot else.  

Every time I feel the sun on my face, see something amazing in nature, or just feel contentment wash over me, I think of the many blessings I have in my life. I can’t help but think it might be my Aunt Lou or Uncle Snoj reassuring me to keep my chin up and and that everything is going to be alright.  And in the moment, I’m the most grateful and blessed I could ever be.