“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
― Mark Twain, author and American thinker
Live life large... August, 2015 - This week was difficult.
One might predict a certain amount of stress while anticipating a two-year, self-funded expedition world-wide.
We feel the weight of our mission in our desire to help others.
We know we will be missing our friends and relations while away, and strive to see as many loved ones as can be managed before next week. We are consolidating possessions into carry-on luggage and prepping twelve months out.
Yet all of these things were expected. These stressors were all a part of the expected planning process.
But tragedy is no respecter of circumstance, and because of that, we lost something more valuable than any possession or acquirable commodity.
One might predict a certain amount of stress while anticipating a two-year, self-funded expedition world-wide.
We feel the weight of our mission in our desire to help others.
We know we will be missing our friends and relations while away, and strive to see as many loved ones as can be managed before next week. We are consolidating possessions into carry-on luggage and prepping twelve months out.
Yet all of these things were expected. These stressors were all a part of the expected planning process.
But tragedy is no respecter of circumstance, and because of that, we lost something more valuable than any possession or acquirable commodity.
Life is a gift. Open it. This past Wednesday, we lost time; spendable time with a soul who was truly and without embellishment an amazing and inspiring influence in this world. Taken without notice or fairness, his passing leaves an unwanted hole in the fabrics of our universe.
It’s human habit to polish the lives of the deceased, when recalling their memories. We are prone to sometimes over-respect the dead, and let missteps and flaws be censored from our words in an act of assumed reverence.
That said, I honestly can find no fault in the character of our lost beloved. My time with him was short, and deeply treasured. He was genuinely remarkable, unreal, at times, and in my mind nothing short of marvelous. I had never met someone like him, and sincerely doubt I ever will again. He was one-of-a-kind.
Over the last few months leading up to our departure, there have been a series of events and transpirations that have been particularly (and ofttimes uncomfortably) invigorating. To “invigorate” means to enliven, to make flourish or thrive. It means to make more ALIVE.
It’s human habit to polish the lives of the deceased, when recalling their memories. We are prone to sometimes over-respect the dead, and let missteps and flaws be censored from our words in an act of assumed reverence.
That said, I honestly can find no fault in the character of our lost beloved. My time with him was short, and deeply treasured. He was genuinely remarkable, unreal, at times, and in my mind nothing short of marvelous. I had never met someone like him, and sincerely doubt I ever will again. He was one-of-a-kind.
Over the last few months leading up to our departure, there have been a series of events and transpirations that have been particularly (and ofttimes uncomfortably) invigorating. To “invigorate” means to enliven, to make flourish or thrive. It means to make more ALIVE.
Just because the light is leaving, doesn't mean life's beauty leaves with it. Loss often provides us with the perspective we need to learn how to appreciate what we have. It helps us recognize that even the air in our lungs and the blood in or veins is a gift, a privilege, offered to us by grace from a more powerful force in the universe.
We given such a small amount of time to make our lives. Our ration of time is so small, and even that short period can be cut short for reasons that aren’t explained to us.
All the more reason to live fully, live truly, and live lovingly.
Thank you, Derek, for giving us such precious time with you. Thank you for teaching us about authenticity and the transience of life as we know it. I don’t think you could have guess how much you would be missed, or by how many.
I feel unable to say enough that would honor him, and will instead spend my life in a pursuit of goodness, dedicating those efforts to Derek.
We given such a small amount of time to make our lives. Our ration of time is so small, and even that short period can be cut short for reasons that aren’t explained to us.
All the more reason to live fully, live truly, and live lovingly.
Thank you, Derek, for giving us such precious time with you. Thank you for teaching us about authenticity and the transience of life as we know it. I don’t think you could have guess how much you would be missed, or by how many.
I feel unable to say enough that would honor him, and will instead spend my life in a pursuit of goodness, dedicating those efforts to Derek.
For you, Derek, we will explore the world. And because of you, we will make it better.
The clock is ticking...
09012015
The clock is ticking...
09012015
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Photo credits to Daniel Heintz
Photo credits to Daniel Heintz
So... Where are we now????
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