I had something else planned for today but I just feel the need to write this morning and this is my blog so that is what I am going to do.
Yesterday the Rock n’ Roll Half-Marathon took place in Raleigh. If you are local you may have heard that two men in their thirties passed away during the race. I was playing disc golf with some friends when I got the news alert on my phone. That’s so terrible, we commented, as we continued our game, enjoying the sunshine and getting a little laugh out of watching Jason try to fish his disc out of the pond he just threw it into.
We all knew someone who was planning on participating in that race. But it couldn’t have been one of them. We had just spoken, texted, or seen each other the day before. They were all healthy and happy. There was no way.
But you see, tomorrow isn’t promised to any one of us. Those friends and family that we had just seen or spoken to a few minutes ago may not be there for that next encounter. At lunch that afternoon, I watched a new friend get the phone call that we all never imagine we’ll get. The one that held the news that one of the men that passed away was the friend of hers that she knew had been running the race.
There aren’t words to describe the pain and sorrow that you could feel as her expression changed in that moment. We had just placed our order – a large, three-topping pizza. We were sitting at a table for four in the middle of this tiny restaurant. There were a few others sitting around us and just outside the window. A dog was enjoying the sunshine with its owners. I couldn’t help but notice all the laughter and smiles, oblivious to the girl whose world was being shaken right there in the middle of a little pizza place.
I didn’t even know this man and yet that moment will forever be etched in my memory. We are not promised a tomorrow. I am not promised a tomorrow. I am not promised another hug from a loved one or a phone call or text from that friend that I’ve put off calling.
How much time do I spend hoping, waiting, and yearning for that next thing, that next stage in my life? And yet, that next stage, that next new and exciting adventure, isn’t a sure thing. There isn’t anything that you can say to someone when they receive that news. But I think the greatest thing you can do is be thankful for what you have and not take for granted the moments you are given.
Certain moments have a beautiful way of showing us what truly matters. Today, I pray for the families of all those who will never get a tomorrow, especially for my friend and her family, and I ask that you lift them up in prayer and thought. Today, I am thankful. Thankful that I have one more minute, one more day. Thankful that I get one more chance to say I love you and show those dearest to me that I care about them more than they will ever realize.
Sarah Bonner says
Such a beautifully written post. I'm also from NC & when I saw that on the news I was shaken – such a tragedy.
jackie jade says
wow this is such a tragedy for sure. but also a reminder that we need to be thankful everyday. this is something I think about especially on birthdays lately. getting older isn't fun but I remember that it's better than the alternative. so true that we aren't promised another tomorrow.
Kellee the Caffeinated says
Wow that is so sad!!!! You are so right… you never know!
Rachel S. says
I lost my nephew in October and this really hits home. You never know what will happen, when or where.
Caitlin Hamlin says
Beautifully written sweet friend 🙂
Becky M says
So glad you shared – this is such a great reminder to appreciate every day!
madeintheshadeblog.com
Sara S says
Perfectly written!
Elizabeth at Southern Finesse says
I was a little shaken about those tragedies myself as no one expects things like that to happen for an event people train for. So sorry that happened to a friend of a friend. She'll be in my thoughts. 🙂
The Southern Thing says
What a great reminder. It's so sad, but true. Life is just too short.
**Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Ditsy Sprinkles Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ** says
So true and beautifully written.
xx
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The Girl who Loved to Write says
So sorry for your friend's loss. This is a terrible and beautiful reminder that we all should take to heart.
laura says
beautifully written…i, too, was shocked when i got that alert on my phone. and to hear it was someone my own age. heartbreaking. thinking of your friend.