It has been a while, and I have been busy. I've had work and a church calling to fufill, but finally my mind has been given permission to relax and ponder about life. Life- what a precious word. That one word brings all sorts definitions to the page of a book. Life is short, meaningful, full of items from our bucket list, with not enough pictures taken and regrets, but memories as well. But as I sit here and ponder so many people come to my mind who have passed on. I think of the service men and women who have fought for my freedom. They are the true heroes of mine and many other lives. They put there life on the line day after day, leaving the comfort of their home, family, and safety behind. I have seen thousands of pictures and videos of soldiers returning from duty and surprising the kids and wive. It tears me up, to be quiet honest. They cry, I cry and so do millions of others who view the same video or picture. To them I say THANK YOU. I know doing so on this blog does not and never will do justice for them. But I do think of them often and thank them from the bottom of my heart for all that they do for me on a daily basis.
Next I think of my 2nd cousin Steven Jellum. We were close enough to be first cousins and so we upgraded our family relationship to such. Steven was put in critical condition after being involved in a horrific car accident. I saw him once after that. I was asked to give a motivational speech for a company. One to the morning shift, another to the afternoon shift. Between the two shifts I went home, lunch, then on my way back I visited Steven. His mom was there. She was so cool, calm and collective about it all. I felt sick to my stomach. I looked at Steven, he couldn't hear, talk, or communicate at all. I did my best to keep my composure. I talked to the mom who seemed to be doing ok, and when it was time to leave, I looked at Steven, tapped my heart twice and slowly walked out. That was the best I could do so I wouldn't start bawling and making myself a mess before giving a motivational speech. I gave the speech and did just fine. Steven passed away a day later. I think of the great times we had. Especially between my junior and senior year of high school. We made a video together and I still have it for memory reasons.
Last, there is my beautiful Grandma Salvesen. I love and miss her more than words could ever explain. Her heart, smile, laugh, all of it was so motivating for me and I was one who certainly needed it at times and still do as well. Grandma and I had a personal relationship. It was like we had a heart string attached to each other with a knot that no one in the world will ever be able to untie. She passed in May of 2011 after a courageous battle with diabetes. The funeral was beautfiul..just as she would have wanted. My dad gave the closing prayer at her grave site. It was the first time I ever saw him cry.
People come and go in our lives. There is nothing we can do to stop it. What we do with those people in regards of friendship..now that is something we can control. Take time to ponder the special people in your life. Who are they? Why are they there? What makes them so special to have a place in your heart? You'll find your list to be long..in what is a very short life.
