Two days ago I learned that a notable scientist that I had worked with for years in Boulder, Stephen Schneider, died suddenly in an airplane while returning home from Sweden. He was 65. In that "Six Degrees of Separation" mode, I also found that Cliff Mass, whose Washington State weather blog I read daily, was one of his students and wrote a beautiful post about their relationship. Cliff was a summer student at NCAR just before I began to work there in 1979.
And then, today at the gym, I learned that an acquaintance I know from class died when he fell from a ladder. Ben and his wife Karen were regulars at the class, three times a week, and rarely missed unless they were off sailing in their boat. Another couple had missed them and wrote an email to Karen to see if everything was all right. No, it isn't. It was the talk of the class today, and I just can't believe it happened so fast. Karen's children have come to help sell their boat and house and plan to take Karen away to Portland to live with them. It's all so sudden!
It's like the beauty of life, and the fragility of our hold on it, is being driven home to me, just in case I might get complacent and forget that no one is assured another day of life, another breath even. So it makes sense to give thanks for today and let tomorrow take care of itself.
And just now I read Nancy's wonderful post about the power of prayer. I'm not sure this is a synchronous event, but it sure feels warm and welcome in my heart.
:-)
I think the recent death of Bob's brother jerked my chain once again. Around this house we pretty much operate on the premise that every day is a gift, not an entitlement.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of the stream and wildflowers certainly is serene, such beauty...
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the loss of your friends, and co-worker, I try to live each day as an opportunity to enjoy God's wonderous blessings, and tell those I love, just that...
{Hugs} friend.
x
Oh, DJan, thank you.
ReplyDeleteSomething is up, I feel it. I don't know what, but just today I got a call that our little Lilly, age three, is back in the hospital, and she is just so sick. Then my brother called and my aunt is also dying in Sacramento. I did a post on her a while back. Barry from the blogworld yesterday, and now your class friend and a co-worker. Wow.
The picture eases my heart a bit, too. Thanks for the post.
I am sorry for the losses in your life. It does hurt to loose those we care for.....:-) Big Hugs
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your losses... Big hugs sent your way.
ReplyDeleteWe forget about the fragility of life until it hits us in the face. Then we are reminded of what is precious to us.
ReplyDeleteI just talked to my mother on the phone. I try to call her every Wednesday and she so looks forward to my calls. sometimes it's so frustrating, because it's hard for her to hear and understand me, but she gets such joy from it that it ends up making me feel good too. That's one of the important things in life, to spend time with loved ones. Next week I'll be with my grandchildren again. I will try to make the most of the time we have together.
Peace be with you.
Loss and the sadness of it never goes away. I'm sorry for yours, so many in one week. And yet, perhaps each soul not only chooses the circumstances in which he/she is born, but also the circumstances of death as well.
ReplyDeleteDJan, What a week, so many losses..I am sending you a hug:)
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I were talking this past weekend about all of the friends from our Alaska days that have died in the past year. It really brings home how fragile life can be.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your losses. It always seems more tragic when there is an accident involved.
Isn't it awful when that happens? I just moments ago read that Barry from "An Explorer's View of Life" lost his battle with cancer yesterday.
ReplyDeleteBut how awful that two people you knew died suddenly in accidents. Oh, yes, the uncertainty of life...
I feel the unease in your words. It is so unsettling when things like this happen. No matter how much we remind ourselves of the uncertainty of life we are still surprised when tragedies occur. Sending hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteIt is even worse when a mother loses her children. My mother, age 94, has outlived 3 sons. Although she does have us 4 daughters to console her, it doesn't lessen her sorrow, as I know how you are feeling. Take care!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your friends DJ, it happens and we can't do anything but pray for them and pray again for comfort.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
AL
The photo is wonderful. It has been quite a sad week for you while at the same time it makes you realize your own mortality.
ReplyDeleteI receive great comfort and peace in prayer and in reading the Bible. When life is disturbing, I take extra time to do both. The circumstance does not change but I do.
DJan, it shows what a caring person you are. That is a bit of an overload to know people who have passed away. I know you are remembering things about each person and sending them on their way in your own manner.
ReplyDeleteDJan,
ReplyDeleteIt's jarring, isn't it? I've just had my first experience with the death of someone I knew, and it's hard to grasp. My best friend's adult daughter just died, of cancer, at age 40. Logically, I know she's no longer here. Emotionally, it's a puzzle. It's been nearly two months now and her mother, my friend, is still waiting for it to really sink in. I'm trying to appreciate my children, husband, life more. What else is there to do?
Life is a kind of mystery that visits all of us from time to time. Sorry to learn of so many losses.
ReplyDeleteD-Jan,I'm very sorry to hear of all your losses.It can't be easy,so much loss in such a short time.Prayer can be soothing in times like this.Thank god for your life as you go about another day,Live life to the fullest-I'm always grateful for each day and each blessing in that day.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon.Huggs
Take care to grieve. It is a necessary process. Prayers for you and hugs too.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry DJan....this has been a week of loss for so many. Blessings to you. xo
ReplyDeleteDear D-Jan, so sorry to hear about the losses and yes, life is fragile in its beauty. I have also had two deaths recently. The first was a young lady of 36 who died suddenly. She was known to L and I as working in the leasing office of the apartment complex where we live in Knoxville. She had worked there for 12 years and just decided to leave and spend more time with her children. She left and they gave her a little goodbye party. A week later she was dead. The other was my dear Auntie, who died at the age of 82. She had always been in my life and I find it hard to believe she has gone.
ReplyDeleteIt does make you appreciate every day, doesn't it, even the days that hurt and sting.
Blessings, Star