Most of us fear death. It is a part of the human experience. The past few days I have been faced with thoughts of my own mortality. I traveled to NYC on December 26 to be one of my best friends, Clare, as she and her family celebrated the life of their Mother who recently passed away. On the evening of the wake, we were headed back into the city from Long Island. We got a call from Clare’s sister and niece who were ahead of us. The man driving the car in front of them came to a screeching halt on the top of the Throgs Neck Bridge and jumped to his death thirteen stories below. As we approached the scene, we stopped to be with Clare’s sister and niece. As we sat on the top of this shaking bridge, I began to think about the times I have been frustrated, angry, and disheartened. Yet I never would think to take my own life. I sat and wondered about the pain this man must have had to take his own life. I thought about the family and friends he left behind.
I then began to think about all that I am grateful for. I am very blessed! I have family who loves me. I have some of the most amazing and supportive friends in the world. I am honored to work with great people.
As we close 2016, I look back and reflect on the many blessings that I have had over the past year. Was it a perfect year – no. Yet, I am soooo grateful for all that I have experienced. I hear many people say they are ready for this year to be over so that they can start over and have a better year in 2017. While you may have experienced challenges this year, I encourage you stop and consciously make a list of the top 10 things you are grateful for in 2016. The blessings are there – sometimes we must look for them to Live Life Fully!
