Reality

I often feel that I struggle to write when I don’t feel inspired. I love living the experiences and making the memories that are the foundation for writing, but the actual logging it down part, not so much. I don’t like it. I get behind in things I want to share. I’m human. It’s hard. It’s also especially hard when there’s a lot going on. A few weeks ago was one of those times that throws you for a curveball. We were on vacation in Northern California, when we got word that Craig’s grandma died the morning of September 1st. Pretty unexpected, but what was most unexpected was the fact that his other grandmother also died the same day later on that night. Two different ladies and 854 miles away from one another all in a 24 hour period. I’ve heard stories of people that have two or three people die the same year, and it’s definitely not as common to have two deaths in the same week, let alone the same day. 

This past week, a classmate from high school passed away in a motorcycle accident. Young or old - we are not immune to it. I’ve been learning a lot these last few weeks that applies to living and to traveling. Live. Your. Life. To. The. Fullest. Guys, I’m going to be totally honest here - I never feel like I will age or that death will strike me. But that’s not true. We cannot escape time and it goes by so incredibly quickly. I’ve sat through two family funeral services this month (well technically four if you count the mausoleum services at the cemeteries) and these were amazing women. Strong, independent, brave and well-respected women. They were hard workers, wives, mothers, grandmothers and friends. They were loved and they loved others. And they lived full, abundant, rich and travel-filled lives. What a testament to living life to the fullest. It’s inspiring. And it’s a kick in the pants to just do it now. Do the things now while you can, while you have the time, while you have your health- what are you waiting for? Time is not promised to us. Old age is not promised to us either. I’m totally and unintentionally sounding like a fortune cookie, but these are true statements and things I most likely block out of my usual consciousness. I’d wager to say most of us do. My challenge to myself is to live my life to the absolute fullest in everything (even the things I take for granted), because we truly never know when our life will change.