The moments we cherish...

So, I don't know what I am going to talk about tonight. A lot of things have been happening, and I just really need to get a lot of emotions out. It has been such a hard week. So much harder then usual, and it is definitely one thing I thought would never be able to happen. But of course, as life will have it, it always get harder. 

We always like to think we are strong, and confident. Convincing ourselves that we know where our lives are headed, and what we need to do to fulfill our goals an dreams. But what happens if all of a sudden one day, everything you knew was taken away from you? What if everything you ever wanted and planned for you future just disappeared? Something that completely changes your life in a split second, for forever? Can you imagine that? 

I certainly can't ever imagine how I can go through something like that. But I know a very special person, a friend that is very close to my heart that did go through that. Her life was completely changed by just a simple afternoon visit to a doctors office. 

When she got out of the clinic, her life was never going to be the same again. From that point on, she had to fight for each and every single day, week, and month she was going to live. Her schooling was interruted, her future totally put on sideline, dreams put on hold as she fight through her condition, day in and day out. Everyday hoping and wishing she will get the chance to live the life she planned to live. 

That sounds pretty hard right? Can you just think about it. Just one day going in for a simple doctors visit, and then coming back out being told that for instead of going to college and parties, you will be stuck in the hospital doing procedures and taking medicine for the next unknown period of time? To me, in my mind, that is just terrible! It's so hard, and scary! But guess what? My friend never complained one bit! In fact, she was completely the opposite! 

She always had a smile on her face, being completely positive about everything! I will go visit her, and instead of being the one comforting her, she would be the one comforting me! She makes me laugh, she makes me feel comfortable, and you will never, ever hear her be negative about anything. But if anyone is entitled to be negative about life, it is definitely her! And that is the one thing about her that amaze me the most: her perfectly, positive personality. 

Even now as she lays in her bed at her home, living her last few final hours, she is still positive, and loving. Instead of being the one that is scared, and needing comfort, she is the one who is comforting the people around her. She is telling them of the love and the plan the Savior, and Heavenly Father has for all of us. The plan of Salvation, and the knowledge that this isn't the end. She, the one that is going through all the pain; this wonderful, loving daughter of God is the one that is comforting all the people in her life! That truly amazes me, and makes me feel so HONORED to have been her friend. 

I can't truly express the love I feel for this wonderful young women. She has been such a great example to me. Every single time I look and think about her, my heart gets so full by seeing, and feeling the spirit and the light she has within her soul. Her bravery, and strength is stronger then anyone else in my life. I can truly say that she has completely affected, and changed my life for the better, teaching me a lot of skills, and lessons I need in my own journey here on earth. 

And even though she doesn't know it, she has taught me another very important life lesson, even in the last few days of her life. And I feel like it is only fair if I share it with you also. And that lesson is to never take anything in life for granted. Don't ever forget to take the time and cherish the people you have around you. Don't even stop trying to be positive in everything you do. 

Take sometime every day to cherish all that you have been given. We never are really as bad off as we think. We always have moments, and things to be grateful about. Take time to hug your family and friends, telling them how much you love, and care about them. 

Show them the positive things about the world. Open up your own eyes to see all of the happy, and delightful things we have all around us. After you do that, take the time to open other's eyes. Feel the joy and love together after you both realize the great and amazing things we have around us that is just hidden, and covered by the dark and scary stuff. =) 

You never know when something, or someone can be taken away from you unexpectedly. I promise you that you'll never want the regret that comes if one day the person you love is taken away from you, but you never got to show or remind them of your love, and support. Don't ever take the moments and laughs you have with your friends, or family for granted. Because every moment we spend together is a gift. Cherish it and love it. 

I am so sad and broken hearted to see my loving and amazing friend pass from this world. But I truly believe in the atonement, and I can't wait to see her again one day on the other side of the veil. It will truly be an amazing and wonderful moment when I get to hug her again and tell her face to face how much I love, care, and respect her. 

And because of her, I will always try my best from now on to cherish everything I have around me. I will remember to show and tell others how much I love them.  Remember, and hold on to the moments you spend together with your love ones. Don't forget to cherish it. At the end of all our journey, what will really matter is the small moments. I truly believe that. I hope you will try your best at doing that; cherishing. I also hope as always, that you try your best in everything you do. Because, just like everything else, I am trying me best...always. =) 

Love,

Q2


Dedicated to my ever loving friend, Mary C. Hamner