My 8-year-old son’s hamster, Peanut, crossed the rainbow bridge into hamster heaven. I don’t feel sad for Peanut or my son (although I probably should?). I just feel grateful for this lesson that Wyatt is learning. One of the million reasons why pets are great is that they teach our kids about death and better prepare them to deal with the death of a family member.
Wyatt’s great grandpa is about to turn 89 years old. I recently had a great conversation with my grandfather about life and death. He told me his simple philosophy in just a few words that I will never forget:
“I live for today, and hope for tomorrow”
He explained that he never focuses on the past. Not the loved ones he has lost or the mistakes he has committed. He also doesn’t get carried away with thoughts about the future. I guess at 89 years old, he learned to really enjoy each and every day.
In the last ten or more years, I have had the same striking thoughts at every funeral I have attended. I look at everyone in attendance. I look at everyone, not just the people crying in the front row, but everyone. I notice the people that stand in the back near the exit. I look at the people who probably waffled about coming and almost stayed home. I watch the people that stand in the back near the exit. I look at these people and think about the fact that the deceased had some positive impact on all of these people. They were affected in some way. As the attendees contemplate their few or maybe a lifetime of interactions with departed, they do not think about this person’s riches, their houses, their cars, their possessions; they do not think about the titles they held at work or how much money they made. They think about their kindness, their humor, their servant hood. The impact we have on others is the only thing we leave behind when we go. That is my reoccurring thought at every funeral.
Death is our great teacher. We should always hold it over our left shoulder. We should constantly be aware of the fact that death is coming to us and our time here is limited. So, let’s not waste it. Are you feeling afraid to get out of your comfort zone? Are you feeling afraid to commit to your goals and chase your dreams? Are you feeling anxiety about what other people think of you, say about you? Are you caught up in the past? In the future? Really? You are going to be dead soon. In 100 years from now everyone you know will be dead. Do you think people are going to be sitting around talking about you while driving their flying cars? What is important is that you live this life you were granted; that you do the things are you are led to do; that you take chances; that you fail and get back up; that you live for today and hope for tomorrow. Let death be your great teacher in this way; wear it over your left shoulder so that you remember to leave a greater impact today than you would have left yesterday. Cast fear aside, listen to your heart and chase your dreams.
Thank you Peanut for your impact on Wyatt. You were a good hamster…no, you were actually kind of mean. But we still loved you.
Love and Let 