Forget about what’s happened;
don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
(excerpt from Isaiah 43, The Message)
This is my childhood best friend and maid of honor Vickie Bowler. She lost her 3 year battle with cancer in April 2012.
And this is my good friend and "brother" Ken Bryant. Ken fought for over a year with end stage renal disease and bone marrow failure. He died in October 2012.
These two people never met each other yet they both have so much in common and both have left such a positive impression on me and many others who knew them. You see, both of my friends suffered a great deal of physical and emotional pain from their respective illnesses yet neither of them let it stop them from inspiring and helping others.
My friend Vickie spent much of her free time volunteering with Special Olympics or visiting children in the hospital who were fighting cancer. Vickie was so selfless....so much so that she never wanted the kids to know that she too was fighting cancer. She always wanted the attention to be on others and not herself.
Ken devoted much of his adult life to helping others, especially children. His love for basketball led him to start a league that would reach many young boys in the Kingston area. Ken also served on several committees, including the Human Rights Commission in Kingston. During the course of the year that Ken spent in the hospital, he inspired every person who came into contact with him - staff, visitors, roommates - and he never missed an opportunity to say "thank you", even in his worst moments.
The verse that I quoted at the beginning of this post is not to imply that I want to forget these two beautiful people, but rather to impress upon you that they have inspired me to live in the moment....don't waste time worrying about things in the past. Do the best I can with the talents and abilities God has given me. Get out there and make a difference, despite my circumstances. That is what they did!
2013 is going to be a big year for me....I graduate in May with my nursing degree and will be transitioning from hairdressing into working as a RN! I am scared but excited to see what great opportunities God has in store for me. In addition, I want to be more purposeful and present in my life and in my relationships with others. I want to appreciate each day and the people in my life....unfortunately, this past year has taught me that you are never guaranteed tomorrow.
No doubt that the loss of my friends has left a huge void in my life and I miss them terribly! However, Vickie and Ken have inspired me and would want me to make the most of everyday and not ever miss an opportunity to help others, no matter what. I hope that their story will inspire you too....Happy New Year!!
