Friday, July 11, 2008

Never let a moment pass you by

You know those days where you feel a prompting to do something for someone? Tell someone you love them? Take an extra moment to give a hug or write a note of love or praise? I am challenging myself and anyone else, to never go to bed wondering if the people you love KNOW how much you love them, right any wrongs and live each day to the fullest.

Wednesday morning Todd received a call from his mother that his cousin David Landt was struck on his motorcycle in Orem, Utah. A semi truck pulling a piece of excavating equipment going 45 mph ran a red light. He was killed. David was 34, married with 3 beautiful little girls. This accident took place only a few miles from home. In fact his brother drove through the scene unknowingly on his own way to work.

All of this parallel's the accident that took the life of Todd's brother Derek. FIve years ago, on his bike, struck by a Suburban going 55 mph, not paying attention to the road. Just few miles from home, 27 years old and in the prime of his life.

These two sisters (Todd's mother Beverly and her sister Cheryl) now share something that has to be any mother's worst nightmare. Losing a child. Todd flew out today to attend the funeral of the Lant family who came to the Lake family's aid when Derek was taken in his own tragic way.

It's so easy to get caught up in the most trivial things in life: Wanting a bigger house. Feeling the need to lose weight. Buying a boat. Dressing kids in name brand clothes. Keeping up with the Jones' in many other ways...... WHO CARES! But alas life does go on. It's easy to gain perspective in time such as these, but even easier to lose it in the times we currently live in.

I hope my sisters and parents know how much I love them. I know my kids do. In fact I was just telling my mom that anymore I would rather spend any fun "going out" time with Todd, the kids or my family. I LOVE that they are getting to the age of becoming more than just my children but my friends as well. Just this week Griffin and I have gone on several night rides up to Target, just he and I (sometimes with Brody). I remember how close I was with my parents....Going out with them on a Friday night was more fun than hanging out with my friends.
My heart goes out to the Lants, the Lakes, the Searles, Grandma Mary and the Griffin kids and anyone else who has lost of loved one tragically or painfully. What a blessing it is to know that through HIM we have the power to be with all of those we have loved and lost again.

11 comments:

Annie said...

So true Stacey. Why do we have to get so caught up in earthlifebull$%&*? Let's slow down, BE STILL, and express our love more often.

Steph said...

I was so sad to read about Todd's cousin. So sad for his family. You are so right Stacey. I would rather be with Pete than anyone. Family is so important.s

Lindsey said...

What a great post. It's so sad that we all know death is a part of life, but it's just so very heartbreaking when our turn is up. I will definitely take this refreshed perspective on life and apply it in my relationships and time I spend with my family. Thank you for the reminder.

Ericka said...

I completely agree with you. I will keep their family in our prayers.

SaraPete said...

That is so awful about Todd's cousin. It is so scary to know that life can change or end at anytime. It makes me sick to think about some of the stupid wordly things I get caught up in sometimes! Family is the most important thing!!

alli said...

Stacey, I am sorry to hear of yet another tradgedy in Todds family. Thanks for the reminder of how precious our time here is. Alli

Jamie Jo said...

Oh, Stac! I had no idea. That's awful. Poor Beverly and Cheryl to share something so horrific with their children. Tell Todd I'm so very sorry. There was a great line in a conference talk titled "Today" that says "One breath, one heart beat is all that separates us from this life and the next." We think we have forever to get life right...and we just don't.

Nicole Jackson said...

I was sad to hear about Todd's cousin! Hopefully Beverly and her sister are doing ok. I remember how hard it was when Derek died. It's times like this that put life into perspective.

Lee said...

please accept my condolences as well. That is so sad. Thanks for the reminder about the important things in life.

cjdustin said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Todd's cousin. I know it must be difficult to relive the loss of his brother. I appreciate your advice and will take it to heart!

Jord said...

Very wise words Stacey. I had heard about Cheryl's son passing, but put it together that he was Todd's cousin. I'm so sorry for all of you.