Cheers to the wish you were here, but you're not

Happy Birthday Lisa!  Today, August 31, 2024, we had our annual Labor Day party and celebrated your 20th birthday. Family and friends gathered to float in the lake, eat lots of food, watch Michigan football and just enjoy life and each other.  

All week the song Memory by Maroon 5 has been drifting in and out of my head. We played that song when we brought out the cake.  I couldn't think of a better way to sum up today:

"Cheers to the wish you were here, but you're not
'Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
Of everything we've been through
Toast to the ones here today
Toast to the ones that we lost on the way
'Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
And the memories bring back, memories bring back you"

Tears were shed as we listened to the song, Butttt, the tears brought back memories and the memories brought back you. You were with us in our minds and in spirit as we remembered you and your impact on our lives and hearts.  

I was touched and delighted that your childhood friend Jalissa came to the party.  She knew few people, but came and stood by my side for a few hours to be here and be my buddy because you can't be.  You live on in Jalissa and all our friends and family and I'm so thankful for that.  I miss you so much, and appreciate all these people that helped you fight cancer and now help to keep you alive in our hearts.

We miss and love you Lisa! 

Ladies with tattos in Lisa's honor:)

11 Years Ago 😥

Eleven years ago on 5/19/13 Lisa left us. As I do every year, I spent this day honoring her and her too-short life. Today was spent just being—sitting on the deck looking at the lake, going on a bike ride, having dinner with family, and enjoying a boat ride with ice cream for dessert.

As the day unwound, I found myself conflicted as I thought about how every day is a gift, and we should not take it for granted; how we should embrace life and live each day fully.

I realized that I often feel that living life fully means I need to be doing something that adds value to the world.  I  measure a day’s worth by how much I accomplish that day. On days when I do "nothing," I'm consumed with guilt, feeling like I've wasted a precious day that Lisa never got. I struggle to recognize that there is value in simply being present and enjoying the moment. It's okay to do "nothing" because rest and reflection are as important as action.

Lisa was spectacular at balancing her love for "doing" with "being." She seemed to understand that both are meaningful and that living fully isn't about what you do but about being in the moment and knowing that’s exactly where you should be.

This child was wise beyond her years. I'm still learning from her as I try to find balance between action and stillness.  I need to value each day based on my presence in it, not by what I  accomplish.

Love You Lisa. Miss You Lisa.