Several pieces of bad news in the last few days. My very good friend Michael's father passed earlier this week. My elderly aunt Caroline is awaiting a (hopefully) peaceful passage after having a heart attack and stroke. But the most challenging was receiving word this morning that one of my contemporaries from my university choir passed away from breast cancer. She was about my age - late 40's and leaves behind two young children and a loving husband. Although we were acquainted years ago, and have not kept in touch save a few intermittent reunions - it has given me a very uneasy feeling. One never knows when this great adventure of life will be over.
I found myself recalling some memories of Geri, specifically surrounding a choir trip to Ireland in 1983 (and what a trip that was - yikes...). She had a beautiful face and a sweet but quiet demeanor. I find myself wishing I had known her better. Now instead of having that opportunity, I can only offer prayers and condolences to her family. Regrets aren't really my cup of tea, and there is certainly a lesson and reminder here that has all but hit me over the head.
Two people in a few days - done. One more - to be done soon. Done with their time on the planet. It is never simple, but somehow the passage of an older person who has "lived" their life is somehow easier to accept. A mother of an 8 year old and a 14 year doesn't compute. Yes - there are reasons for everything, but it is still hard to swallow.
Breast cancer (or any kind of cancer) doesn't seem to care much for who it attacks, or the lives it changes and disrupts. It ravages those whose lives it touches, and it needs to stop.
I am re-energized for my upcoming Breast Cancer 3 Day later this month. Those 60 miles will give me a renewed opportunity to bring funds and attention to this form of cancer. And I will think of Geri and all the others who didn't make - and I will dream of a time and place when that doesn't happen any more. More on that later...
In the meantime - it really is about Carpe Diem, cause you never know. As Teri Nelles so aptly put in her email this morning - Hug those you love and tell them so.
Carpe Diem, and so it is.
About Me
- Carol Fitzgerald Tyler
- I lost 103 pounds without surgery, and there was great rejoicing! However - over the last year and a half, life got in the way. Between serious bouts of fibromyalgia and debilitating migraines, I gained some weight, and found myself feeling dumpy, frumpy, and most definately in a slump. 2012 is over and the time has come to dump that frump slump, release the excess weight, change my attitude, and be and feel fabulous! This journey is about more than just weight loss. It is about facing and releasing all things that hold us back from living life to the fullest each and every day. Make the most of what you have, and live a "seize the moment" lifestyle. Join me on my journey, and dump your own slumps - whatever they may be. Welcome to Fabulous!
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