Seize The Day. A Letter Written By A Grieving Soul...

I always knew my time here on earth is limited, so I often tried to live out the classic motto " Live life like it's your last day" but wasn't as successful in doing so until the recent years. We most often take our life's gifts for granted, as it's easy to see death as something we will go through once we reach old age. However, there will be a time in everyone's life where we will have to face the truth of our perishing existence here on earth, and how holding onto the conviction that time was on our side was merely a desire but was never guaranteed.

I remember when my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, my perception of life had completely changed. On the outside I 'kept it together', but inside I was in so much agony. Something I couldn't express fully to others as I didn't feel they understood nor did I want to burden them with my inner turmoil and despair.

I couldn't bare the thought of my mother dying. Afterall, she was the heart of our large family- so dedicated, sacrificial, incredibly strong and such a beautiful woman with a pretty smile that often grazed her face. I couldn't imagine my life without her, but after two years of seeing my mom suffer intensely, God decided it was time to call her home. It was only then when I fully understood the pain of losing someone you love so dearly, a pain I had hoped to not experience again until many years down the road.

Unfortunately, three years after my mom's passing, my family faced another tragedy when my younger brother Joseph unexpectedly fell ill with pneumonia and passed away within a few short weeks. A year has passed since Joseph's death, and his absence leaves a profound void in my heart. He was such an inspiration in my life that I plan to write an entire article dedicated just to this special story.

In essence, although I am empathetic and compassionate, I could never completely understand others' experiences of significant loss because it hadn't happened to me. It's only when you experience it yourself that you realize how intrusive the pain is and how unbearable it can be at times.

It's intriguing how beauty can be found in the midst of tragedy. Although I am deeply pained by the loss of my mom and brother, this experience has entirely transformed my perspective on life.

My life's focus has been to seize the day and enjoy all of God's blessings to the fullest. This philosophy resonates deeply with me as it's a reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present moment. Each day presents a unique opportunity for me to embrace all the experiences of my life, whether they are grand adventures, enjoyable moments or in the simplicity of the mundane tasks of my daily life, every moment holds the potential for me to be joyful and grateful. By striving to live in a state of intentionality and gratitude, I do my best to cultivate an awareness of the blessings that surround me.

Regardless of how busy I am raising my five children, I invest in the relationships that matter and let go of the ones that do not.

I dress my children and I in beautiful clothing each day and do not wait for a special occasion to do so.

I achieve my goal of preparing nutritious and tasty meals each day to help us live a healthy life .

I use my fancy dishes regularly and not just for the holidays, making a regular day a reason to celebrate.

I make sure arguments with my loved ones are short-lived and let go of anger more easily.

I tell my husband and children how much I love them each day because now I am truly attuned to the reality of this fleeting world.

I seek to know God more than I ever have before. Going to Sunday mass isn't enough, as I desire to go on religious retreats as often as possible, I pray more often and to my best to put God at the center of my life.

I am invest my time and money in a trusted therapist to help me heal and sort through the trauma and grief in my life.

My husband and I make conscious efforts to keep our marriage vibrant, even though we face our challenges.

I now have finally launched my website, and am writing articles that are meaningful to me. Something that my mom urged me to start a decade ago..

Life is a precious gift! It shouldn't be squandered on negativity, idleness, irresponsibility, or denial. Life is not easy, it brings it's own beauties and tragedies. What I've learnt is to be grateful for all that is given to me and to use my time wisely. Even during the painful experiences we can try to find joy and do good.

" Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever and your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow." - Saint Augustine