I'm invincible...

...at least until my final day comes, that is. The problem here is, none of us knows how many days we have left. So, my advice?

1. Take a few moments EVERY DAY to count your blessings.
2. Spend time or pick up the phone and talk to someone important to you.
3. Treat others as though it is the last time you'll see them.
4. Tell your friends and family how much they mean to you...OFTEN!

No, it's not the loss of my cat that has made me reflect on this. It's actually a horrible thing that happened to a co-worker. My co-worker, we'll call her "K", was married a little over a week ago. It was a small destination wedding with a few family and friends, with the reception planned for this weekend. Before I go further, you have to understand that "K" is an upbeat, fun-loving, crazy gal with a heart of gold.

So I was shocked and horrified to learn this morning that "K's" father died suddenly on Saturday. He was found (on Thursday or Friday) unconscious and taken to the hospital to learn that he had bleeding on his brain and prognosis was grim. Remember, her father had just walked her down the aisle one week earlier!!! So now, instead of experiencing the joys of being a newlywed, "K" is dealing with grieving and burying her father. And I can't imagine how she'll ever celebrate an anniversary without thinking of her father's death. He was only 55!

This reminded me just how precious every moment is. I was reminded of the couple times I've nearly lost my mom and how precious it is for me every time I see her. It is difficult living 3000 miles away sometimes because I think I miss out on so much of her life, but I do treasure every moment when I'm "home".

My mission is to be more conscious and thankful for all that I have (instead of what I don't), how people have brightened by day (instead of the day's difficulties), and find at least one way that I can brighten someone else's day up or make their day easier. I know that this may seem idealistic but I'm obviously not expecting that I'll do this 100% of the time. I simply think it is important that I live my life in perspective and to keep my eye on and be thankful for all the positive things in my life. I challenge you to do the same.

P.S. Please pray for "K" and her family as they go through this difficult time. I haven't seen or talked to her since her loss, but I can only imagine what she is going through.

Sad, sad news

Unfortunately, I had to make the grim decision to put my dear Copper to rest today. Three vets agreed the most likely diagnosis was a large cancerous growth in his abdomen. The vet today advised that the most humane action would be to put him to sleep, as he was experiencing obvious pain and discomfort. I spent quite a bit of time with Copper before and after his death. He was very much NOT the Copper that's he's been for his short 10 years, so that certainly helped to make the decision easier, but it doesn't help ease the pain.

I finally came home a little while ago (11:00pm) because I didn't want to spend the afternoon and evening in an empty house. Huge THANKS to my aunt and uncle (and cousins) for keeping me occupied this evening and getting my mind off of things. It was nice to have a reprieve from feeling such strong emotions. However, when I walked through the door of my house I was hit with a tidal wave of emotion and I just can't stop crying. Yes, I'm crying as I write this.

I see Copper everywhere! The last places he laid, his food and water dishes are still filled, his toys, his spot on the couch, the nibble marks on my Christmas cactus, even all the places that he would rub up against (he was such a happy cat). I hear his purr and I see his little face. It just feels like too much right now...so overwhelming.

True to form, the Princeton Animal Hospital was amazing. All the doctors and staff are so compassionate and understanding. Even the way they carried him out of the room after he had passed, with such care, as though he were just sleeping. Truly wonderful people with enormous hearts. Thank you!

And thanks to all my friends and family who are praying for some peace through this and sending me such nice sentiments. It's times like this when I'm reminded of how truly blessed I am. I may not have a lot of monetary wealth, but I have more riches in my friends and family than some of the wealthiest people on the planet. These are the riches that matter, btw! I thank God every day for each and every one of you.

I appreciate your continued prayers. This was way too soon after George's death and much too sudden and I'm not quite coping as before. I had months to grieve George and he had lived a longer life. And when you add that now I come home to a completely empty house...it makes it so much worse.

Oh, and I can't forget to mention that with Copper's last breath, he stuck out his tongue...he died with his tongue sticking out! While crying, I couldn't help but laugh when he did that. For those who knew him, you might agree...I think it's like he went out of life kind of how he lived it...sticking his tongue out at the world! It's just so fitting.