long airplane rides to a place no one wants to go

these posts are usually joyful ones describing our adventures, observations, and reflections on the goofiness of our lives and life in general. this particular post is also about observations, but not necessarily the ones you're used to reading on our blog. it's more contemplative and an opportunity to realize how beautiful and amazing life is during the short time our bodies wander this earth.

for the past few days, i've been filled with and surrounded by sadness. i've also been filled with and surrounded by love. such an odd juxtaposition, in my opinion. you see, my uncle took his own life a week ago. it was unexpected, it was excruciatingly sad and it was overwhelming in so many ways. i went to atlanta to be with my family and hopefully help to ease the pain of an event immersed in pain. i needed to be there to say goodbye, to support my family and absorb the healing powers of the love we share. i believe i accomplished my goals.

my uncle affected so many lives during the short time he spent on this earth - most he never even realized, i would imagine. he was always the calm, stoic one - the one constant, it seemed, in a world filled with changes. as the final funeral preparations unfolded, my mind was flooded with memories … he was usually the first person in the food line at family gatherings and always got chided for it; he laughed with his whole body; he always listened intently to what someone was saying; when he talked about cars his eyes lit up; when it was time to leave, he'd tell me to be careful and "i love you, punkin." he was a great man and will be tremendously missed by anyone who ever knew him. i love you, uncle noley.

there are times i wonder if any of us know how much of an effect we have on one another. a crass word uttered to a loved one or to a stranger driving the car that just cut us off in traffic, the chance to offer a helping hand to someone who has fallen on hard times, the difference a smile can make to someone you pass on the street. we'll never know how these actions impact or fail to impact others, but wouldn't it be easier to go through life knowing you're making every effort possible to brighten the paths of those you come in contact with? i'm making a pledge to myself - be a better person and smile more often; to help others whenever i can and to be more patient with myself and with others.