Yesterday we visited my husband's brother in the hospital icu. While they seem to have him stabilized and thinking of moving him to a regular room, their really doesn't seem to be much hope for a future there. While visiting he was telling us of the woman in the brown jacket that was standing in the corner, not saying anything. Also about the man in the white coat that was busy doing things with the machines that were monitoring his progress. Neither of these two were visible by us.
He has lived a rough life of drinking and drugs. He's lived since the 70's in a series of shacks in the woods out behind his dad's house with no running water. While his existance may seem dismal to most and his life way too short. Let me tell you, he was an amazing man. He was one with the universe if I ever saw someone that was. He loved the woods, the animals and birds. Even the rats that ate his dogs food were his friends. While his smell will not be missed, his smile will be. I just hope that his hospital stay will not be too long.

And today we are off to visit Northern Michigan where my husband's sister is having a bad bout with cancer and things are not looking too well for her. She lived a completely different life. Somewhat normal against many American standards. Quite the woman and I'm glad that I've gotten a chance to get to know her in the past eleven years that I have been with her brother.

It seems that death has been hitting a little too close to home lately after just loosing my uncle a few weeks ago and all. It really helps me to understand what my customers are going through. And it makes me happy that I can give them a nice memorial service to help commemorate a life well lived. It reminds me of why I need to make sure that the hearse is spotless everytime. Nobody wants a dirty hearse. So when I am out there at 7am washing the car in the cold. I feel a little better about it.

One thing that I've learned from each of these three that are leaving my life is to BE THE LOVE THAT I WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. It's time to turn it up a little. Offer just a little bit more. There's plenty to go around so just give love until you can't give it anymore. And then, no matter who you were, everyone will remember you fondly and you will live forever.