Is there Life After Death?

As a Christian, I do believe that their is life for me after I die, however that is not really what I am posting about today.

Recently a friend died.

I know people die every day, and death is a natural part of our life cycle. But this past week, it was MY friend. And he was loved, by so very many.

The saddest part is it wasn't cancer, or old age, instead it was his choice. In the end tho, that is not as important as the fact that I will never again greet him in this life on earth.

So I ask, is there life after death? For all those who mourn his loss, for those who were touched by his death?

Yes, I hear myself say. Yes there is. There is life, because we are here to live it. Will it ever be the same? No, our lives have been irrevocably changed, just as they were the moment we met our friend. We are now a little older, a little more worn at the edges, but we are here. We are his survivors.

So for now we must survive, clinging to our friends, our family, and our memories.There will not be a day that goes by that one of us will not miss him.

So... Now what? There are 3 things you can do:

1. Never forget - all those memories are him, and we are now living breathing memorials. Hold them tight, and never let them go. If it helps you heal, make a memory box, with all the little things that remind you of your friend.

2. Move forward - Live. Honor him by taking that next step; getting up and going to work or school, or wherever. Don't pretend it didn't happen, but don't let it take over your life.  I was once told: It will hurt if you walk, it will hurt if you run, and it will still hurt if you lay down...so why not run?

3. Live a little more - All those things you want to do? Do them. Give them your best as a way to honor your friend. Yesterday I was reminded how much I love going on an adventure in the woods. Following a well worn path or making my own, seeing where it gets me, then finding my way home. This year, I will do more of that than I did last year. Find your adventure, and give it all you have.


In the end, we are here, we are still breathing, whether that is fair or unfair, it is what it is. Live life out loud. Laugh like a maniac. Be there for your friends. Have an adventure.

Mournfully, and Hopefully,
Joyful Darkness.

Decemblog 28th: The run around

It's back to 5k training, and i forgot how much I love the after-workout feeling, and how much
i hate the after-workout hunger.

It was all I could do to not eat  the whole casserole, or the whole box of chocolate, or the whole refrigerator...

Anyway, I did a full 2.5 miles this evening, on our elliptical. I'm looking forward to hitting a full 3 miles in 30 minutes.


healthfully,
Joyful Darkness