Thursday, August 11, 2011

Life Is To Short

Summer has been a lot of fun. It is almost over and I am sad about it. I don't want to have to worry about what time my kids are in bed, or what time they have to get up. I don't want to think about homework or making school lunches or making sure they don't forget anything before they walk out the door. I want to just enjoy them and play with them and make fabulous memories with them, because life is just too short for all the stress that goes with it.

Today I am extremely saddened by the news of the death of a great man. The father of some great friends and one of the most generous and kindhearted men around.Vernon Ngawaka was a great person to know and will be missed by many. I know that he has been reunited with family and other loved ones, and is enjoying this reunion. But I know, for his family and close friends, he has left behind a hole that cannot ever be filled.


This morning I watched as my neighbors family left together for the funeral of their niece Jada and was again saddened by their loss. This beautiful 14 year old girl was indeed taken too soon, but I was comforted by the thought that only the good die young. It must have been both Jada's and also Vernon's time to return home. Our Heavenly Father has a plan for us all and I know that when someone is taken from us here on earth, it is only because they have done all they need to, and no longer need to be tested. They are ready to be home, even if we are not ready for them to leave. My thoughts and prayers are with each of these families as they try to move on and create a new kind of normal, without these wonderful people.

As I have been thinking about the many people that seem to have passed on lately, I feel a strong desire to be closer to my own family. To not let silly things upset me. To spend as much quality time with them as I can. To not put off being with them because I have laundry or dishes that need to be done. They can wait, but time wont. Life really is too short to put off the good stuff in place of the everyday nonsense. So don't wait. Put down those dirty dishes, leave the laundry in a pile and go and make memories with your family. You will never regret having a messy home, but you will regret not spending enough time with your family.