The Simple Things

This past weekend a girl I went to school with passed away.  Most of us in our graduating class of 72 people went to school together K-12, so it hits close to home when one of them passes away. She was such a sweet person and I can never remember her saying anything bad about anyone.  She always had a smile on her face and was always eager to make a friend.  I remember befriending her our Junior year.  She was often to school early, and would wait by the backdoor of the school for me to get there. She would then walk with me to class and we would talk. She always seemed so happy to have someone to talk to. I ran into her last summer at our class reunion and spent quite a bit of time talking with her. She had had a lot of medical problems since graduation including a stroke and shoulder surgery.  At the time of our reunion, she was in a brace and on crutches after falling and hurting her back and leg. I am so very thankful that I was able to sit and talk with her...its a memory I will long treasure.  Life is fragile.  Good health is fragile. Nothing brings this to the forefront more than losing someone you know. This week as I have pondered on her passing, I've determined more to focus on the simple things.

Like snuggling with my little boys...

...spending time playing on the floor with my baby...

...listening to endless stories about Star Wars and watching my oldest create his own starships...

...watching my middle two peacefully sleep after a long morning at the park.

Thank you, Michelle, for all of the memories.  Thank you for reminding me not to take life for granted. Thank you for helping me to slow down and focus on what really matters.