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There is a famous quote that says, "don't take life too seriously, it's not permanent." Monday night I received a grave reminder to such a true statement.
When I was a student at UW-Platteville, I was involved in a sorority called Sigma Alpha. It is a professional agricultural sorority that prides itself on four pillars: scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service. Last week, I received word from my alumni chapter that my pledge sister was in a serious snowmobile accident. The outcome of the accident was not in my pledge sister's favor. Monday night, she made the ultimate trip to Heaven, as a result of her injuries. She leaves behind a loving husband, a very young boy, as well as many friends and family members.
I find it quite heartbreaking that it is tragedy that gives us a reminder as to how precious life really is. It only takes a split second for your life to completely change, and realize how fast it can be taken away from you. However, I do find comfort in knowing that her family was with her during those dark hours. It also reminded me of something else, something very important. We may go through struggles and frustrations but we need to be grateful for the positives that are out there. They are what truly matter, especially when our number is up.
My challenge to everyone: hold on to the things that last. Keep in touch with family members and friends. Make sure to end every conversation with "I love you," or "I care about you." No one ever knows when its over. Embrace the positives and shy away from the negatives. Live life to the fullest, and surround yourself with the people that lift you higher. These "little" things, in times of heartache, truly help people look at the big picture.
To my sorority sister, and friend, Julie Mentink: my thoughts are with you and your family. Like the book of Ruth that was performed during our initiation, "where you go, I'll go and where you stay, I'll stay (Ruth 1:16). You will always stay my sister, and you'll always stay a friend, to me.