Just this afternoon, I found out that a high school friend passed away over the weekend. A week ago, Ethan sent me a message letting me know that he read the blog from time to time and that he felt inspired by what I write, and what I'm going through. I was shocked by the message, and incredibly moved. I have felt so vulnerable, and to get his love and support helped empower me. Please remember that in just a few sentences, a few words, a little message or note, you can completely change someone's future. I'm not saying this for my sake. I'm not asking for people to send me messages. I'm sharing this story with you so that Ethan's love can be spread to others. Please take a moment to remember how quickly life can change. Please decide to say the things that you've been meaning to say. A small kindness, that takes only a few moments, can ultimately change the direction of another person's life. Words are powerful.
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Wes & Ethan Edholm |
I learned that we lost Ethan this afternoon, and this evening I learned that we lost Kathi Goertzen, the local anchor woman. She had been battling brain tumors for the past 14 years. Today is a crisp reminder to cherish each moment, each friend, each love, each family member, the cool breeze, the scent of summer air, each bumblebee and gorgeous green leaf. Please take a moment to read this, then close your eyes and take a deep a breath - slowly inhaling as much as you can. Savor the smells around you, they might be sweet, of fresh air, or the pungent scent of a stagnant dinner. Either way, you're alive; remember that you're lucky. Don't miss the opportunity to relish each moment, life goes by so quickly. Instead of having regrets, share the love in your heart. You will be glad that you did.
Hi Jessica
ReplyDeleteGood to see that you are still fighting on and I have to agree, we do tend to forget to say those words most important to our friends and family, maybe because we always think there is a tomorrow. What would we say, what would we do, if there was no tomorrow? Now you have me thinking!
Wishing you all the best to you and your family
thank you Jessie for a beautiful reminder to savor the moment and find a spirit of gratitude no matter where you find yourself....thank you, thank you, Jennifer
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Sweet Pea,
ReplyDeleteDad
Jess, you are such a wonderful inspiration and example of positivism. I live reading your blog when I am feeling down it reminds me to focus on why I am lucky and not whatever it is that has me feeling blue. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the loss of your friend Jess. Sending you love and thank you for the kind reminder. xoxo, M.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put Jess! You have a way with words and put things into perspective so well. I am so thankful that you are my friend! Happy late birthday too!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sarah & Joey
Jess
ReplyDeleteBeautiful...
You are wonderful and have a way of bringing thinks to what is most important. Enjoy what we have, Enjoy the day and all that it brings.
You are always in my prayers!
Rich
Such sad news. Love you friend and thank you for the lovely post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jessica. So well put.
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteWe don't know each other (I'm a co-worker of Mary Malone), but I've been following your story for what seems like forever now. I'm leaving a comment for the first time because I just have to let you know how much you have touched me today with your words. You have a gift. Thank you for sharing it so freely.
Kim K.
You are so right Jess, savor the moment. It is all we have. You continue to inspire me and I thank you...Becki Day
ReplyDeleteHi Jess- You haven't been on here for awhile so I hope that all is going well for you! I think of you daily and you are always in my prayers! Love, "So Cal" Patti
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