Life is Too Short

It is with sadness that I blog today as my next door neighbour, Teresa, passed away yesterday after a hard fought battle with cancer. I really didn't know her all that well, to be honest, but what I do know is that she was an amazing woman. She was one of those people in this world who are genuinely good and nice, kind and loving. It is nice to be reminded that those sort of people still exist, and here she lived right next door! Despite what she had been handed, she was always cheerful and smiling. She carried herself with grace and poise, and was made of a strength very few are. As a true testament to her character - the soul of a being so kind and strong - is the tremendous support the community is offering her family as they deal with her death. She honestly touched the entire community, it seems, in one way or another. We all knew her, in some capacity. We all have only good to say of her, which is astounding. She had such a joyous spirit in her; she was always smiling and cheerful, even when fighting for life.

I can't even begin to imagine what her daughters are feeling - I have never for one moment considered life without my mom, who is very close in age to Teresa. I do know they are going to be amazing women, thanks in large part to their mom. And I know their mom will live on in them. I see her in each of them. They are each of them thoughtful, each of them optimistic, each strong and confident.

Her passing definitely serves as a reminder that life is too short. We really do need to make the best of it while we are here. Together. My husband and I fight far too often. We need to sit back and enjoy one another's company, enjoy growing old together, with our children. I stress about a lot of things. I need to relax. I have little patience and I tend to lose my cool too easily. I yell. I need to take things in stride and breathe. In honour of Teresa, I am going to make a concerted effort to improve daily, if only by a small margin.