be thankful...

Friday we had a baby shower for one of my friends at work.  Many of our coworkers and friends attended the shower, including girls that had already left the firm but came just for this occasion.  She had a great turn out.  She received many baby gifts, including cash.  What a lucky baby…!

That same day, my daughter had to attend a wake.  The mother of one of her classmates passed away.  She was fighting a battle against cancer and it finally took its toll.  It was so sad to learn of her passing away.  I spoke to my daughter about it because I knew she had many questions and she was saddened to see one of her classmates having to go through this hard time in such a young age.   My heart goes out to the family and may God bless them and give them strength.  

Friday was also “C’s” birthday.  She is a close friend of ours.   She did not have plans for that night so we took her out for pizza and beer.  We invited several other friends to join us.  One of our friends was not going to make it to the pizza party because she had to go to a wake.  And while sitting at the restaurant, we came to discover that another good friend of ours, whose company we enjoy so much, was not going to make it to the party either.  She has had a couple surgeries in the past and was doing well…she is also fighting a battle with cancer.  But now, I was told she was in and out of the hospital for the past week and has to go through chemo.   She is such a happy person who has a wonderful voice and loves to sing.  I hope she continues to beat this cancer and will soon recover.  We will keep her in our prayers.

When I was in high school, I too lost a very dear friend to cancer.  She was only sixteen.   Her name was Carmen.  She was a kind person who was always happy.  No matter what was going on in her life and even though she was going through tough times, she always managed to make us laugh.  How sad that her family had to lose such a wonderful young lady.  I will never forget her.

Today, I went to another baby shower for our friend “S”.  She had many friends and family members to help her celebrate that special occasion.  She received many wonderful gifts for her baby but nothing compares to the love and happiness that her soon to arrive bundle of joy will bring.  

I began to wonder about life.  Some are here celebrating the beginning of a new life, while others are grieving the loss of a loved one.  There is so much more I would like to say about this, but I’m not sure if I even know how to express my feelings at this time.  

Things do happen for a reason, even though sometimes it’s hard for us to understand why or make any sense of it.   But when we are fortunate enough to live life, it can truly be an amazing experience!  

I know at times we may not think so, but every day that we are alive is truly a blessing.  We should take one day at time and be thankful for our good health, our family and friends.