Voices From the Past

I've been taking some VHS tapes of old movie film and putting them on my computer to make a DVD this week, and it has been somewhat joyful and sad at the same time. 

Joyful because, in most cases, I can actually remember the event (except for those films of around age 3 or so...to many years have skipped by) and the video just brought those memories back.  Sad because some of the video had audio, and hearing the voices of those that have passed on just made me miss them more.

But, my hope is that those who were not here while those saints were, will have a glimpse of the special people they were and the fun that we had while we were together.  I've made some closed groups on Facebook to share them with other family members and hope they will do the same.

I encourage you to think about doing this yourself before those memories slip away.  Sometimes, it is nice to hear those voices from the past once again.

Loss and Choice

This time of the year is hard on people.  For some, the holidays are not "holly" but long, endless times of pain and sorrow as they remember people they used to share them with, traditions they had, and conversations they shared.  In the now nearly 7 years since my transplant, my family has had its share of loss as well.  Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, special people in our lives that we shared those same memories with.  I've spoken at some of their services and grieved with their families.  And for some reason, this year I've thought of them more than I have any other.

I realize that I am fortunate to still have both of my parents in my life...many that I know do not.  I was reminded of that by a complete stranger this evening, and it caused me to do some thinking.  I never take the time I spend with my family for granted because 8 years ago I was afraid I was spending my last Christmas with them.  I even had us take a family picture together on Christmas Day, something that rarely happens because I'm the photographer in the family.  But I wanted there to be a lasting memory of a great day "just in case".

Fortunately for my family, someone else's grief gave me life.  I always think of my donor family at this time of the year.  I know it can't be easy, even after 7 years, because I know how I feel about those special people I've lost.  But I have chosen to try to look on the positive side of life and not dwell on the "what could have beens".  I choose to spend any time I can with my family, however great or small it may be, because I understand that one day I may not have those moments again.  I choose to spend my evenings helping kids who have made major mistakes in their lives in hope that they will learn and grow from it in a positive manner.  I choose to fight for what I believe in because I feel it is right to do so, even if it does go against the popular stance that others want me to follow.

It doesn't take much time to go to a local elderly facility and spend time with the people who are there, who often don't have visitors during the holiday season.  It doesn't take much money to buy a single mother with a couple of children a meal without them knowing about it.  It does give you a warm feeling inside knowing that you might have made a difference in their day.

There are many families that have lost loved ones that are spending the holiday in pain.  When we are in pain, we often do crazy things.  Sometimes, those choices are life altering.  And many times, a phone call from a friend, a short visit just to see how things are going, or a card or letter are simple ways to show those in pain that they are not forgotten.  If you have a moment, I encourage you to do that.  You never know the impact it may have.

Choices can change by simple acts. 
Won't you act?