I Hope You Lived for Those Who Couldn’t

Hello me. You know that I have been selfish and afraid. I have procrastinated and taken the easy way. I told myself that I would live a life that honors my loved ones who never had the opportunity to live as long as I have. But I don’t know if I did. Only you will know if I accomplished the task.

For my husband Billy, I wanted to live a life that was full of bravery, adventure, restlessness and determination. For my mother, I wanted to live a life that pours love into those around me and never gives up. For my father, I wanted to live a life that asks questions, and seeks answers, a life that is filled with friendship and isn’t afraid to tackle hard things. For my grandchildren that lived but never got a chance to be born, I wanted to live a life that honored them, a life of kindness and empathy, a life of love.

Now, you remember how I wanted to live my life. Did we manage to do it, did we succeed? If we did, then when you draw your last breath, remember that your life has been a good one and you have honored the lessons our loved ones taught us. If we did not, then when you draw your last breath, ask our loved ones for forgiveness and understanding because we did our best. I hope we were brave.