Surreal Moments, Ones That Can't Be Explained

It's been a while. It's been a while since I've posted anything on here. And even longer since I've reflected on where I am in my life or where I'm going. After a long day of work and a much anticipated weekend, I reflected on where I am in my career on my way home. After making a phone call to my mom to discuss our days, she grew silent. We asked each other how our days were, but not much was said. I can't remember the exact dialogue, but I remember her saying that someone has passed away. It's been years since I've experienced loss. Sure, there's been heart ache through medical conditions, surgeries and life changing moments, but it hasn't been death in a long time.

I knew this person briefly, although my parents knew him for more than 25 years. He helped me in launching my career right out of college, gave me room to grow and explore the business world in a way I've never seen it before. We may not have been close, or known each other very well, but his kind actions will always mean so much.

It's interesting how people experience loss and how they express their anger, fear, frustration and anything in-between. My dad knew this man the most, and watching him express his shock is something that I can't explain. No matter what test results indicate, awards received, stories shared or work accomplished, no one can explain why things happen the way they do.

I've heard the word surreal so many times this evening I've almost forgotten it's meaning. When tragedy strikes people come together and they talk. They share stories, memories and feel each other's pain. This happened with my family. We sat down for dinner and talked about how surreal life was, for all of us. Life events were discussed, plans for the weekend were made and the small moments of silence in between our small conversations were moments we each reflected on.

Often we forget to appreciate what's right in front of us. We're so busy keeping up with traffic and cutting each other off on the highway, that we lose track of the precious things. The moments that can't be replaced.

This weekend, I'm going to take my own advice. I'm going to slow down and appreciate the many things I've already been blessed with.

I hope you all do the same.

xoxo