Perspective

I rarely talk about details of work because generally they are routine and boring.

We have many happy times at work. I run weddings, baby showers, special occasions and birthday parties. I love being able to share in peoples lives as they celebrate special milestones. This past season, I got to witness 40+ couples exchange hands in marriage. A month or two ago, we celebrated a 100th birthday with one of our regular customers.

But today was different. Today was one of the few days that I don't enjoy. Today I had to be in charge of a funeral service and the family gathering after. Normally, we do not host the actual service but today we did. I shouldn't say funeral, because it truely was a celebration of life.

Normally I can turn off my emotions at work. If a groom or father of the bride make a sentimental speech, I can hold it together. If people start to cry, happy or side tears, it doesn't affect me. Today, I couldn't even look at the photo of the lady who passed away without feeling myself getting choked up. I had to immediatly leave the room and didn't listen to any of the service. My heart broke for her and her family.

Why? The lady who passed away today was a exceptional doctor. She graduated from university at the top of her class. She has a lovely man in her life and a family that supports her. She was 34 years old and she took her own life.

To the public, she probably 'had it all'. A great job, a wonderful man, a loving family. She was blond and beautiful.

I don't know why she took her own life and quite frankly, it's none of my business. I can only assume that she had demons in her head and couldn't take it anymore. I think mental illness is understated in today's society. I think it is all around us and many people choose to ignore it or simply don't see it. It's sad.

I don't know where I am going with this. Maybe we, as a society and myself included, need to be more aware of those around us and what the signs of mental illness are and what mental illness really consists of.

I pray for this womans family and I pray that she is at peace.

Life is short and certainly not fair.


So today I am especially thankful for my friends, family and my health.

And today I am especially thankful for the life that God has given me and the life that God gave for me.