Gone but never forgotten

Photo by me

When I was growing up, my mother's childhood best friend and her husband were like aunt and uncle to us. We spent every Christmas together along with other visits throughout the year. You can imagine then, when I was in 9th grade and we got word that he had suddenly died, it was devastating.

At that point in my life, I was fortunate to still have all my grandparents and so he was the first person close to me who died. Big Mike is what we called him, due to his tall stature from years as a professional football player. I looked up to Big Mike, literally and figuratively; all my memories of him are filled with joy. From nerf gun fights in the basement, to him sitting in the same chair every Christmas morning, he was a staple in my life growing up. I not only loved Big Mike, but I felt loved by him.

I’m thinking about him today because I got to stand at the top of Keystone mountain - one of his favorite places in the world. I got to look out at a view that he loved and spend a few minutes remembering him. It's hard to believe that it's been about 25 years since he passed. I've spent more years alive without him than I did with him and yet he will always be remembered, always loved, and those memories always cherished.

As we go through stages of life, there will be people that come and go for various reasons. Some stay with us through all of it, while others we only get a season with.

What season are you in today? Who is in your life that brings you joy? What memories are you making that you will cherish for years to come?

Whatever season you are in right now, take a few minutes to appreciate those people. If it's been a while since you've talked to them, then pick up the phone and make a plan to see them. We don't know how long this season will last so soak up every bit of it while you can. And for the people that have already come and gone, take a moment this morning to remember them. They may no longer be with you in person, but as long as you always take a moment to stop and cherish the time you had, they will never be completely gone.

And if you're out there somewhere Big Mike, I hope you're proud of who I've become. Thank you for the years of love and laughter. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten.