in which I admit my heart is heavy.

Yesterday morning, I received the devastating call that my cousin took his own life. He had his first baby on the way. Just when everything seemed to be going good, going right. What was he trying to escape from? Why was life so hard? So many unanswered questions.
Up until today, I have always though suicide a selfish act. Especially with an unborn child and a wife counting on you to be there for them. I've changed my mind. We can never truly know the extent of one's pain and inner turmoil.  No matter how happy we may seem on the outside, that means nothing.

How will you spend your dash?

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before. 

If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read,
with your life’s actions to rehash…
would you be proud of the things they say

about how you spent YOUR dash? -Linda Ellis
It seems just yesterday, Chris was reading this very poem at my cousin Michael's funeral. In struck a chord with me. Never in a million years would I have thought Chris would be in the same place. But hey, they're in good company up in Heaven together.
Come to me all who are weary & I will give you rest ❤ Matthew 11.28
Life is so precious... Cherish the ones you love and the time you have with them. Heaven got a most incredible angel today. RIP beautiful cousin❤
All sponsorship proceeds this month will go to his expecting wife. Click to help her through this tough time.