Well, it is March, and so much has happened in this past year to so many individuals. Around St. Patrick’s Day, the conversations center around topics of how you find that pot of gold and the luck that surrounds the four-leaf clover (if you ever find one). And that’s just naming a few things thought to bring you luck on St. Patrick’s Day. However, how can I feel lucky if my loved one has died? This made me stop and think about luck and what it means.
As I pondered this question of luck, I had to reflect on the ones that have died in my life. My mother, father, soul sister….and the list continues. How do I find my luck in their death? It was not easy at first, but I started to think of all the things I was grateful for in my life with them.
If it was not for my parents, I would not be here today. That is one thing major thing I am grateful for. From all that have gone before me I have found many things that I am grateful for: the love of the outdoors, cooking, baking, gardening, animals, meaning of respect, being grateful, work ethic, education, love, laughter, unconditional love, ocean, travel, stillness, nature, sunrise, sunset, laughter, tears, compassion… Wow! And that is only the beginning. I had the “ah ha” moment… this gratefulness is love because I was lucky to have them in my life.
We can all think about the what ifs in life. What would it have been like if they still were here with me? I am not at all saying that I don’t miss them. I do on a regular basis find myself talking to them and often saying ‘you should be here enjoying this with me.’ The fact is that they are not here and never will be again. However, those memories and life lessons stay with me. For all the time we spent together, I can close my eyes and imagine what they would be saying if they were here today!
Life passes us by so fast. I can’t imagine my life if I had not had all the people in my life that have died. I often look back at pictures, letters, cards, emails and sit peacefully with my thoughts reflecting on how lucky I was to have every one of them in my life. No matter how long or short the time was they have left an everlasting impression on my life. Thank you for who you were to me and how much luck you brought into my life!