Last Christmas my family did not receive our usual Christmas card from our dear friends, the Walkers.
We have been family friends for many years but as if often the case, living across the country from each other, our interaction has been reduced to a Christmas card and a brief get together every few years.
The missing Christmas card and family picture did not give me much concern knowing how busy life is during the holidays.
However, last week I learned the reason we didn't receive our Christmas card.
I'm still in shock.
Life can change in a minute.
Jeff and his son went shopping at Trolley Square, a down town shopping center in Salt Lake City Utah to purchase some Valentine presents for his wife Vickie.
While he and his son were enjoying the time together, a man showed up with a gun and held it toward the son's face. Jeff stepped in front of his son to protect him, and the gunman shot him in the face killing him instantly.
In a few seconds, the lives of this fabulous family were forever changed.
While I do not like to think about the horrible events that occur every day throughout our world, this incident has reminded me to appreciate each moment of our lives.
I am reminded how fleeting life is.
I am reminded to express appreciation and gratitude to my loved ones.
I am reminded to live each moment to its fullest.
I am reminded to remember what is really important in life.
Mostly, I am vividly reminded to express my love to my family and friends.
We have been family friends for many years but as if often the case, living across the country from each other, our interaction has been reduced to a Christmas card and a brief get together every few years.
The missing Christmas card and family picture did not give me much concern knowing how busy life is during the holidays.
However, last week I learned the reason we didn't receive our Christmas card.
I'm still in shock.
Life can change in a minute.
Jeff and his son went shopping at Trolley Square, a down town shopping center in Salt Lake City Utah to purchase some Valentine presents for his wife Vickie.
While he and his son were enjoying the time together, a man showed up with a gun and held it toward the son's face. Jeff stepped in front of his son to protect him, and the gunman shot him in the face killing him instantly.
In a few seconds, the lives of this fabulous family were forever changed.
While I do not like to think about the horrible events that occur every day throughout our world, this incident has reminded me to appreciate each moment of our lives.
I am reminded how fleeting life is.
I am reminded to express appreciation and gratitude to my loved ones.
I am reminded to live each moment to its fullest.
I am reminded to remember what is really important in life.
Mostly, I am vividly reminded to express my love to my family and friends.
May we learn from the tragedies and sorrows of life.
7 comments:
There are great lessons in tragedies such as this. My heart goes out to you. Be in peace and thanks for sharing.
Jennifer,
There are so many things to your story that overload the senses ...
Not only how someone can suddenly be gone, but the kind of protectio we all walk in every day without knowing it and basically taking it granted.
I understand the shock. Thank you for sharing your heart. Your friends online hold a healing space for you.
Oh Jennifer, I'm sorry. Love and Light sweetie,
Monica
You are so right about life being fleeting. Even aside from tragic random occurances like the one you're describing, there is always the possibility of health issues. My ex-husband used to know a woman whose husband went to shower one morning and dropped dead just like that. Completely out of the blue. I also heard of a high school athlete who was doing the usual jog around the track in phys ed class and also dropped dead just like that. It seems to happen a lot. It is so important to tell people how much you love them while you still have the chance.
Oh dear...this is such a horrible example. :-((((
But amen to your wish...may we learn and learn and learn...may we learn not to take our loved ones for granted.
Very thought-provoking. Thank you. Also, please accept my condolences for the loss of your friend. What pain and grief!
Sending positive vibes to you and friend's family. The older I get the more a learn to appreciate my family and friends also. I am also reminded that there is a plan and path that each soul has to follow and that we are all connected, helping each soul follow that path and complete its mission. Thank you for sharing!
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