I attended my Uncle Doug's funeral last weekend. While I was at the funeral, I was informed that a friend/acquaintance in Calgary had passed away. Laurel was just 39 years old; she celebrated her last birthday less than two weeks ago in the hospital. I was introduced to her through my friend Nancy. We ran in the same social circle at times - I kicked her ass in poker, she attended my BBQs and other get-togethers. We celebrated the same birthdays of people we had in common.
One day she was healthy....and 24 days later she died of an aggressive cancerous brain tumour. Hard to believe. She had a good life. House, boyfriend, good job at Westjet. Loved to travel. Great sense of humour. She was gorgeous. She was a quiet individual but had a big presence.
After suffering from headaches and nausea for over 2 weeks, she went to emerg. The rest was history. Surgery, recovery - a few bouts of radiation. They gave her 3-12 months. She lived for 2 more weeks.
The moral of the story is that you need to do what you've been putting off, because it could change at any moment. Take that trip you've only been wishing for. Buy that TV you've been drooling over each time you're at the mall. Splurge for that broadway play you think you can't afford. It's just money and you can always save up to pay it off later.
For some people, there is no later.
Completely enjoy your life before it's too late.
I am off to Calgary tomorrow. The visit will be bittersweet. I will be attending Laurel's funeral, but spending valuable time with the friends that I left behind when I moved back to Toronto.
One thing is for sure. I will have a drink when I get there and raise a glass for Laurel.
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