Cherish Every Moment 

Now, Lily was 90, and Howard 83, and we had just seen them in January for a surprise birthday party for Lily attended by lots of family and friends. Russ's sister Helen and her husband live near Ocala, and his nephew's family with four kids as cute as can be. We'd grown very close.

The last year and a half we made it a point to see them as often as possible, making the drive from Asheville NC to Ocala FL every two to three months. We knew it was important. Somehow, we knew each time, the next time we came down could be the last time we saw Lily and Howard. We just didn't know how that would happen.

It was tragic, and yet, guided and inspired in a way as our brother-in-law Ed remarked at their coffins side by side, "Even now, look, he is still watching over her".

There is sadness, and grieving, and laughter at recounted stories. There is loss, and newness, because things will never be the same. Family connections deepen, we relive the past. Our hearts begin their slow movement toward healing.

We returned home, and the next day we attended our good friend Tim's wife Sharon's memorial and celebration of her life. For a moment I thought I couldn't take more, but felt the suffering of people all over the world and knew this was what we are all walking through. A week later, a dear family member was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, and I would ask you to keep my brother-in-law Phil in your prayers....for his perfection, and his wholeness.

The point of all of this is......Cherish Every Moment you have. Now. We'd like to think we are in control of things, Creator of Our Reality, and it's true....however, life here on the big blue and green sphere throws us some curve balls we weren't expecting every now and then. Live today. Tell the dearest in your life you love them. Walk outside and listen to the wind and breathe deeply the smell and vibration of life. Take a chance. Go on an adventure. Reconfirm your faith.

Whatever it takes for you to joyfully embrace this moment - a caveat here: it's gotta be legal and sensible! - DO IT!!!!! Do it now.

Surely you've seen this before, but it bears repeating. Erma Bombeck was one of our great humorists. Her perception changed when she realized her time on this planet was limited. We can all learn from her wisdom.

Each day, each moment, we have the opportunity to lay our burdens down, and live fully and freely in All That Is. I encourage you to do so.

Blessings to you Beloved Ones,
Karon

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER -
by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer). 

"I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' - More 'I'm sorry's.' But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it . Live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!  Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what....Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us."