There I was in LA, pushing my son Pike on the swings,
thinking about stupid stuff- career, money, and whether or not I
looked "suspicious" in my camo shorts and hoodie.
That's when the text came in::
"They think they found Rachel's body, but her husband is going there to see"
BAM.
My friend was on that train that derailed yesterday,
and she was reported missing.
I posted it on facebook, but I really just assumed she was lost
in a hospital or something. I didn't even think about her dying.
She has a loving husband,
and a two-year old.
A TWO YEAR OLD.
That hit me, and I quickly felt a sharp, stuttered breath,
and a cough.
My eyes were suddenly wet.
I looked around at the other kids running and laughing
in the park, and how many of them were with nannies, but
who would see their mommies later...
and that Rachel's two year old won't ever see her again.
A TWO YEAR OLD.
I quickly grabbed up Pike, held him close, left the park,
and texted my wife that I love her so very much.
SO. VERY. MUCH.
May I suggest you do the same, for whoever you love,
because you never know when it's all over.
And I asked myself- WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE NOW?
Now that this event has happened in my life, who do I want
to be in relation to it?
What does my character do in my story now that
this has happened?
Today, I want to be someone who has been reminded how
precious life is, and that the people who you are travelling through it
with are precious too.
And to be someone who reminds others.
I hope this email did that for you.
Also, remember that if something ever happened to you, that
people care, and would be hurt deeply- even people who
you wouldn't think of.
YOU ARE IMPORTANT. I SWEAR THIS IS TRUE.
Let Your Light So Shine Before Men,
- Bones
