I Hope You Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance, I hope you dance~~Lyrics by Lee Ann Womack

On Saturday, a dear friend passed away. He died while recovering in the hospital after gastric surgery.
I'm sure many can recall having some type of surgery in their life or have a loved one that has undergone surgery; and, we were told the risks associated with it. Most people do not think they (or their loved one) will be the "statistic." Unfortunately, surgery such as gastric bypass is extremely dangerous. And, there are many people who are choosing it as an alternative to a life time of obesity.

I found the timing of my friend's death to be reflective. As it was this month, just last year, that my niece died under similar circumstances. While a tragic loss such as this at any age is painful, it was even more so sobering as my neice was in her early 20s and left behind two children under the age of five to grow up without their mother. I often think of my niece and I miss her terribly. And, now I mourn the loss of my good friend Joe--two special souls who will no longer be amongst the living.

I am sharing this story because I'm hoping their short lives reminds everyone to stop and reflect on how precious each day is that we have here on this earth. I'm sure if either Joe or Ericka were here today to give us advice, they too would tell us to enjoy every moment to the fullest. And, when you get the choice to "sit it out or dance....I hope you dance."

In memory of Ericka and Joe.

Gone but not forgotten.