november 29, 2016

“There will be haters, there will be doubters, there will be non-believers,
and then there will be you proving them all wrong.” ~ Unknown

Last week a co-worker’s old high school classmate passed unexpectedly. He was about my age. I mentioned that I’d lost two or three classmates this year. It’s definitely three with today’s passing of Welma Trimble. It started with Leona Lewis in January, then Charlie Osborne in April, and now Welma. I loved these people. They were my age, too, and frankly, we’re too young to be checking out just yet. Fires are scorching the Great Smokey Mountains. People are extremely upset over the presidential election. Wars are raging all over the world. Loved ones near and far have, or are, experiencing life altering events this year. Did David Bowie really hold the Universe together? It sure seems like he did since it’s all gone weird since he died at the beginning of 2016. With the news of Welma’s passing I went in search of comfort. Naturally, I turned to my photos, and what should first appear but this cross atop the Victory Avenue Church. Then came a conversation with the woman responsible for the outhouse; Mary Carroll-Hackett. She, too, is having her own bizarre brand of 2016. I’m telling you: virtually every person I know is having a profound year. As usual, Mary’s words strike a chord: “Death is not final. It’s hard as shit, but it’s not final.” Remember that. Be thankful for every day you have with the people you love, the people you work with, the strangers you meet along the way, your pets, and every breath you draw into your body. These are gifts to be celebrated. Now, go celebrate and let’s turn this crazy train around. 

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