January 9th is forever seared in my heart and memories as a day of indescribable loss. Our oldest son lay at the coroner’s office, dead at fifty-one. 2023 was going to be a year of fun times. Theme dinners and barbecues at Danny’s house. And we’d talked about trips to the cabin for fishing and to help our six-year-old grandson uncover Red Belly the pirate’s treasure.
We’d talked about riding our vintage dirt bikes more, and maybe even some racing. And of course, hunting and teaching our grandson rifle safety using his great grandfather’s single shot 22. We even talked about what a big kid I can be when I get to a theme park and see the rollercoasters crazy rides. Maybe we’d join them at Hershey Park this year.
Barely a week into the new year and life has forever changed. The funniest, most loving and helpful among us is gone. Speaking for myself, I’ve only kept two goals I had for 2023 and now the top three ensure his family’s mental and financial wellbeing.
I’ve suffered loss before, it’s not new by any means. And each time I experience loss I take the time to evaluate my priorities, what’s important in life.
My suggestion is to not wait until tragedy strikes. Evaluate your priorities and confirm or reset your goals often. Love your family with everything you’ve got. And don’t leave your love for them unsaid. Tell them how much they mean to you, for one day you or one of them may be gone.
My 2023 will differ greatly from what I planned, but it will still be a great year filled with as much fun, love, and remembrance as I can stuff into each day.