A Moment of Reflection

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV)

I take a moment out of the wildness and wackiness of my typical world to pause and reflect on the life of a dear friend who departed from this life five days ago.  I attended her visitation this evening.  I only found out about her death just last night.

I met Doris 10 years ago when I was working at an automotive interiors plant.  She told me stories of her son (who is about my age) and daughter, and of her life in general.  I wasn't a smoker, but I often found myself outside with the smoking crowd just to get out of the building for a while on breaks, and also because Doris and the other people who sat outside often had more amusing stories and jokes to tell than the ones who usually stayed inside (for some reason - I never quite figured that one out; maybe they just took more walks on the wild side, who knows).  Doris tried to look out for me.  She would often give me good advice (although I was often too stupid and naive to listen and take her advice on things) and let me know when I was being stupid, which is definitely what a guy-crazy 20-something needs who continuously makes idiotic mistakes when it comes to guys (I still need  guidance along those lines as a single 30-something, but anyway).  She also helped me be aware of my strong points, as well.  She always told me I was too smart and too good with computers to stay in a place like that, even though I assumed at the time I would retire from the factory.  We worked together for roughly 5 years before we were laid off together among approximately 118 other employees.

I have made several friends and acquaintances through the years, and I have worked with hundreds of people since I began my journey into the workforce 17 years ago.  I worked with at least 900 people at that first job at the factory. Honestly, you don't get close to a lot of people except here and there in the workforce.  Doris helped me see things differently.  After the layoff, we would run into each here and there.  I didn't keep in touch as I should have, to be honest.  But I did see her at her workplace (a local convenience store) or at the local Walmart.

We always think there's going to be time, don't we?  One day, you see someone, healthy and their usual self, and sometimes they pass suddenly, whether by an accident of some sort or an illness.  It's going to happen, no matter what we say or do.  Do we think people are just always going to be there, like they're invincible or something?  Do we let time just get away from us?

In the long run, yes, we do have to prioritize our lives.  I keep telling myself I'm go to do better, that I'm going to make better use of my time. And yet, I still let it get away from me.

I said goodbye to a friend tonight.  I pray that her (grown) children find peace and comfort in the days ahead.  I was very lucky to have known their mother.

Goodbye and rest in peace, my friend.