Life is precious, and we can never guarantee tomorrow. On December 7, a dear friend of mine passed away after over three grueling weeks in the ICU. She was a year younger than I am and left behind her husband and their 3 children, ages 13, 11 and 9.
This friend was truly the brightest light. When one of her family members spoke at her funeral service, they said, “Even when Stephanie didn’t have anything left in her own cup, she still found a way to pour her love into others.” Her family member was right; Stephanie was selfless. The day before she entered the hospital, my friend spent her time drawing her daughter a treasure map. When her sister-in-law came to visit her in the hospital, Stephanie couldn’t speak, but she mouthed the words “You’re beautiful” to her sister-in-law. Even though my friend was in intense pain, she found a way to comfort others.
Stephanie was a hairdresser and makeup artist. Once, I brought my mom to Stephanie for a haircut. When Stephanie finished my mom’s hair, my mom looked in the mirror and cried, feeling the most beautiful she had in a long time. It wasn’t just the haircut that made my mom feel beautiful; it was the love and care Stephanie showed my mother. My mom remembered that haircut long after she received it — Stephanie was that special.
Last year, when my wedding anniversary came around, I celebrated my wedding anniversary, Hurricane Helene had decimated my area. I didn’t expect much for my anniversary, but Stephanie texted my wife and I to congratulate us. She remembered us when the world around us all was falling apart. Her sweet message read “Happy Anniversary! I am so thankful for your example of love.”
Though my friend’s death was heartbreaking, I’m trying to find light in my life because that’s what Stephanie would want me to do. I now find myself nurturing my relationships and giving thanks for the friends who remain Earth-side with me. I see beauty in the everyday — appreciating nature and acting with kindness and patience. I now choose to slow down and take life in instead of rushing through it.
Our days are numbered, so and we should live each day to the fullest. Tell your friends and family how much you love them. Hug your loved ones. Take photos together. Let go of the small issues, but savor the small joys.
I hope that your friends teach you how to truly love life. We should all live a little bit more like Stephanie did and spend our lives spreading kindness and care.
Photo by Jonatán Becerra on Unsplash
