I just lost a friend and former co-worker this weekend from her battle with esophageal cancer. She was such a hard worker all her life that it only suits her that she passed away on Labor day weekend.

We’ve all had people that we’ve lost whether they be close friends, family or acquaintances. It serves to give us a wake-up call in our own lives and questions our own mortality. What have we done in our lives? Am I where I want to be?

We may have intermittent periods in life that we think about how precious life is and that things can rapidly change. But it’s not until someone we know has died, that makes us evaluate our own lives and ask, “Am I on the right path?”

As a nurse practitioner, I have seen patients with cancer and other chronic diseases so incredibly unfair that it hurts my head trying to think about why or how they got these illnesses. Knowing that life can change at anytime is both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is that I take very little for granted anymore. I look at the mountains outside my door as though it’s the first time I’ve seen them. I hug my husband and kids alittle harder each night and feel tremendous gratitude for everyday knowing that miracles are taking place all around me. However, I also know that life can change at any time and can be very unpredictable, so that any slight pain, headache or “off” day brings thoughts of some deadly disease and wondering what my memorial service would look like. UGH!

My philosophy is to be present and grateful as much as possible. And always follow your heart….I know Carol did.

Good-bye Carol

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