Reality Check

Yesterday afternoon my former neighbor, Kristen, stopped by my house. I was in the shower, so I didn't hear her knocking, but she left a note saying that we needed to call her as soon as possible. I didn't think too much of it, because Paul and I were very good friends with Kristen and her husband Scott, and I knew that Kristen was frequently in the area. They were the best neighbors, and wonderful friends and we really miss having them right next door. In any case, I read the note, and called her back when I got out of the shower. She told me she was down the street at one of our other neighbors and asked if she could come over for a bit. After I told her she was always welcome, I asked if she was okay. She told me she had some bad news, but that she needed to tell me in person.

When she got to the house, she came in, sat down on the couch and told me that her husband, Scott, had passed away on Friday. My jaw dropped and I started crying. It seemed so out of the blue, and I was in total shock. Kristen is an amazing woman, and I can't even imagine what she is going through. She has an amazing support, and her friend even setup a website to help out. Scott was only 36, and I am still in shock.

No matter how often we say that life is a precious gift, it doesn't seem to be frequent enough. Life doesn't always make sense, and the only way to really survive the insanity seems to be to appreciate every day and every one you have. I know that I tend do get annoyed and frustrated (see post below) over little things in life. While I make no promises to end this all together (it seems to be in my nature) I know that I will work much harder before I get angry over something small.

Scott, you were and always will be an amazing guy. Paul and I are so lucky to have had you in our lives. Your smile and sense of humor were cherished gifts that will be missed by all who knew you.