Life is fragile...

Late last night and very into the morning (12 midnight to 2 am) I was having mild contractions and couldn't sleep. I actually started to get a little bit worried when I felt them 20 minutes apart. As Chip slept I debated whether or not to wake him. I was just about to do so when I noticed his cell phone ring a couple of times. It's unusual for him to get calls after midnight, so I woke him and handed him the phone and within a few seconds I heard his voice break as he received the unexpected news of the death of his uncle Johnny {who is pictured with Grandpa Willie in the last photo here}. We are heartbroken and saddened along with all of Chip's mom's side of the family and many friends that Johnny has acquired through the years.
Needless to say, neither Chip nor I got much sleep last night. I am feeling better and the contractions have subsided at this point. I have a dr. appt. tomorrow and hopefully we'll find that everything is progressing just as it should.
But it's moments in life such as these that continue to serve as reminders to me of not just the circle of life, but how fragile it really is. There are no guarantees- whether it's babies, children or grown ups. I find that this theme- of making the most of every moment- comes up so often in my heart and mind and I really strive to translate it into my everyday living. I want to live without regrets. I want to live life with passion and intention. I want people to know how much I love them and I want my life to stand for something so that whenever my time comes, I will know I have lived fully.
I found it interesting that just before bed last night I received a couple of emails from my (new) friend, Amber, who took these maternity pictures of me while we were together in Chicago. {Thank you, Amber!} They just seem so touching today as our family grieves the loss of a loved one, yet at the same time we prepare for the arrival of another {and Chip's sister too}. The baby bassinet bedding is being washed as I type and I just hope to pass on the message of loving this moment and loving beyond expectations in life. Too many times we get wrapped up in "little stuff" or in holding onto grudges or not giving of our hearts to others enough. I am guilty of it too...I can get stuck in a place where I am doing out of demands, rather than out of the overflow of my heart. I hope to remind myself over and over that to love is a gift. To serve others is a gift. To breathe in air and look for beauty in this world is a gift. To share and connect with others is a gift- no matter what. I thank God that He showers His love on us so that we can give love and encourage others to do so too.
Life is a wonderful thing. I hope I never forget just HOW amazing it is. And we will remember Johnny for his love of life and others too.