We got a phone call Saturday that nobody ever wants to get. The kind of call that changes everything. That makes you question everything, makes you want to hold your love ones close and appreciate every minute you have with them. My husband's stepson from his first marriage's beautiful vibrant 28 year old wife died in her sleep Friday night.
They were a beautiful young couple. They came and stayed with us almost every year for a week or so since we have been married. We always enjoyed having them. This past year they were here on my birthday and it was a really nice visit. My husband met his ex wife when his stepson was about five and he had a big influence on his life. Even after the divorce, he encouraged the relationship between his son and his older half brother. My husband had custody of his son and his home was always open to his stepson, and then to his wife also.
Her name was Grace. She was a beautiful, caring, kind, hardworking, loving young woman. She was an active member of her church. She was a light in so many lives, including mine. She fell madly in love with her husband Terry, when she was just 16. They got married when she was just 18, everyone thought they were too young, that it wouldn't last. I guess they were right, but for the wrong reasons. They had 10 years together, as a very happily married couple. They owned their own home and both had good jobs and they would have been really great parents, if they only had more time. This Easter for my family was not the Easter we had planned. We have been heartbroken and are in shock. My husband is with his stepson in Tennessee, and has been since since Sunday. He helped to picked out her clothes for the funeral, helped plan the funeral and tonight they are getting photos together for a photo montage at the viewing. Then they need to pick out the music. There has been all kinds of drama with the families, some really ugly stuff. My husband has been helping to sort that out. My husband is a rock. He is the kind of person you want with you in a time of crisis.
So what really matters? I have been thinking a lot about the things that I devote most of my time to. It's not to the things that really matter. It's working, and cleaning and stressing about things that don't really matter. What really matters are the people in my life. My husband matters, he is a blessing to so many people, including me. My son matters. He is my heart. He needs to know that, without a doubt. My siblings matter, I have been blessed with five of them and need to be better at staying in touch. My Mom matters, I am lucky enough to have her live with me. I take that for granted. I am going to stop doing that. My friends matter. I am so blessed with friendships, some that have lasted for more than thirty years. My in laws matter, my stepson matters, my extended family matters, my nieces, my nephews, aunts and uncles, they all matter. Even the people I work with, my owners my tenants, and other agents I work with, they matter.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Remember that today. What really matters to you?
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