For the third in this series, my object of Gratitude is "Life". You might feel that this is rather grand even pretentious, but I will share the reason for my choice.
I have recently returned to Portland from Maui, HI. My wife lived in Maui for many years, brought up her children there and they still live on the islands. We spend some time there every Christmas and New Year. This year we made some new friends, people for whom I feel we will develop an enduring bond. Part of what brought us together was an experience that we shared soon after we met.
On New Years Day we were out walking and met up with a family on vacation. Like many of us have done on many occasions we passed the family on the trail, exchanged a few pleasantries and all went on our way. Little did we know that as we all neared the end of our walk, due to a terrible accident we found ourselves witnesses and at the aid of the family whose wife/mother died from a slip and tumble at a waterfall.
Over the following days I found myself reflecting on the fragility of life and the suddenness with which it can end. The abruptness of the moment, and it being an event which you can not turn around and press the rewind button.
I salute and honour the Stephens family who in their loss of Susan lost a mother and wife, and for the way that the family held themselves through such a terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they go through the coming weeks and months.
Life is precious. It is a gift given to each of us. Make good use of the skills that have been bestowed upon you. Honour those others who come into your life, recognising what they bring to your life and to the world.
I end this piece with a video of a small service that we held on the beach in Maui as the Stephens family were holding their memorial service in their home town.