Today as I watched the news special on the devastation in Oklahoma my kids both stopped on the way up the stairs and they were glued to the stories of children just like them that survived being in a school that no longer existed after the tornado hit. They were both in shock and sad, I remembered what I had heard during the Boston attacks to remind your child to look for the medical workers during a tragedy. This allows are children to focus on the "Good" during all the sadness. It reminds them that then even in sadness and loss in the world it is still filled with good people doing good deeds. I do sometimes struggle with the things my kids are subjected to on the news however that is reality, the world we live in is full of sadness, evil and bad choices. I want my children to understand that there will always be good, that being good means making good choices and helping others when there are in need. I want them to live a full life with as much joy as possible however I want them to learn cope with loss and tragedy as it happens everyday. On a day of such tragedy a video went viral of a young 17 year old who passed away yesterday of terminal cancer. He is a tower of strength and wisdom, knowing his time was limited he loved, went to school and spent time with his family and friends. He wrote his feeling and eventually recorded these songs. These songs that would last forever for his parents and siblings. He had one simple message that he wanted to leave behind and that's to make others happy. Give happiness; that seems so simple yet we know the feeling of something so small making us upset. That 22 minute video changed my out look on what is really important and how I want to be remembered when my time comes. It's not about the stuff I have or the things I do it's how we impact and treat other everyday. I talked with my kids about the video and we watched it together, I explained that sadness was a part of death but that this young man had made peace with his illness and death. He left a legacy that he could be proud of, he is after death impacting more lives than I am sure he ever imagined. I don't want my kids to think about dying quite the opposite actually I want them to focus of LIVING life to the fullest everyday not just when you get sick. Help others, smile more and make others happy! While doing those things your will certainly make yourselves happy.
So tonight I pray for this young mans parents, siblings and family I pray for comfort and peace for them. I also pray for all those in Oklahoma suffering loss of loved ones, homes, memories and much more. Please squeeze your loved one a little tighter and live your life to the fullest everyday, I am not saying life won't throw you curves but the ability to wake up and have a redo is amazing.
Tonight I also hope that parents are taking the time to explain the good in all the tragedy in this world we live in. Hug a little tighter and remind them how loved they are. Tomorrow when you wake up think of times throughout the day that can make others happy.
Xo,
KB
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