I regret to inform yinz that this blog post is kind of on the “heavy” side (and I’m actually not talking kettlebells today), so if you are looking for something a bit more upbeat, I’ll gladly ask that you wait until my next post. I have a lot to say here today as a recent and most unfortunate circumstance brought too many questions to my mind. Too many questions without a single answer.
As many of you know, a dear friend of mine had passed away as soon as I returned home from Boston last week. The incident occurred on the evening I returned, and the sad news was brought to my attention Wednesday morning. To say that I was shocked was an understatement, and the whole incident didn’t mentally or emotionally register until I attended the viewing and funeral for my friend.
To be honest, it still seems like a dream to me. A dream that I can’t wake up from.
While at the funeral my friend’s parents came up and introduced themselves to me. They apparently recognized me via my red hair, as I was the only red head that attended the service. They told me how their son used to talk about the smart red head he met in college. They told me about how their son was always so excited to study up with me, grab a coffee with me, and just talk philosophy with me (we were philosophy nerds at heart!). I told them that if it wasn’t for their son tutoring me I wouldn’t have had the ability to maintain my 4.0 GPA throughought my college years. I told them how much I appreciated my friendship with their son, and we all agreed that being introduced at a funeral was not how we had envisioned things to happen.
At 26, he passed away suddenly. Fine one moment. Gone the next. I asked myself the rest of the week why things like this happen. Why at such random times do the ones we care for so much pass away? And hell, at 26, you have your whole life ahead of you. How on earth is this fair? There are no answers for these questions, and all week, I wondered if there is any silver lining on the clouds of this situation. While this death was unexpected and while it causes myself and so many others so much grief, I believe there is something to be said on the positive side of this situation. As I recall the conversation I had with my friends family, I am reminded of something very important that they had told me.
“You brought so much joy to his life. We cannot thank you enough for that.”
Friends, don’t ever think your random acts of kindness, be it having a simple conversation, grabbing a coffee with someone, or just being a goof ball with a friend should be taken for granted. Cherish the moments you have with each other and remember that part of enjoying life means that we must share joy with others. Live each moment to the fullest. You’ll never know when those we love will pass. Death knows no limits.
Remember to eat smart, train hard, but most of al, enjoy your life and share that joy with others!
Love Always,
Janelle Pica-HKC, CPT
This blog post is dedicated to my friend, study buddy, and fellow goof ball, Chuck Arbore. Thank you for always being so willing to help me. I am so happy that I always brought a smile to your face. Rest in peace my friend! We will meet again someday!
