This morning I woke up and went about my day as usual. I hopped out of bed at 6:30am, got dressed, and had breakfast…
It was then I learned of the devastating passing of Jenna’s brother, John. My heart is heavy with sadness for her and her family. I can’t even begin to imagine what they must be feeling having lost a brother, a son. Jenna and I have become quite close since we met early this year and have shared many stories about being “big sisters” and all that comes with it. I know that her love for her brother is tremendous, and wish there was a way I could take some of that sadness from her, if only to make it easier for a moment.
Today we went to Gainesville and back to pack up my room at school. As I saw everything going on as it normally would, people driving by, college students studying, and everyone just going about their day, I couldn’t help but think about Jenna and her family whose world has stopped as they grieve the loss of a loved one.
To think that each day I wake up and begin my day, just like today, without the slightest thought of how precious life is, is saddening. To think that I spend so much time worrying about things that don’t matter, taking little things for granted, is saddening. To think that at any moment it could be me, or any one of those people I saw today just going about their day, whose life is changed in an instant, hurts my heart. It is a reminder to be thankful EVERYDAY for the moments we have with the people we love and not let the silly things get in the way.
Jenna, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. We are all here for you with love and support.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Your words gave me chills all over my body. It is so true how fragile life really is. There is so much to be grateful for that shouldn’t be overshadowed by overthinking the small stuff. We’re all thinking of Jenna and her family.
I agree with Michelle. This is one touching post that brings out the goosebumps! I just couldn’t believe it either. I first heard about it on Kath’s blog (katheats.com) so I followed her link over and read Jenna’s tragic post. It’s such a terrible, terrible tragedy. My heart aches for her and her family. :-(
it will be so helpful to her to continue to be a great friend to her, to listen, to relfect with her, to keep her moving and to help her some how to get through these difficult days, weeks and months. i lost my brother 15 years ago and sometimes it feels like yesterrday.
This is a touching post, Courtney, that truly warms my heart. I do not know Jenna but my heart aches for her and her family. She is lucky to have you as a friend to stand by her in this time of great sadness.
Namaste, my friend.