Life is a privilege

The other day I found out via social media that an old friend from high school had passed away suddenly. I was in true disbelief when I was reading a message sent out by her husband, and instantly overcome with sadness. Not only did she pass away only a few short months after getting married to the man of her dreams, but she passed away on his birthday…She was one of the very few people from my high school with whom I truly felt a connection. She was only 26 years old and one of the most delightful, passionate, intelligent, and genuinely sweet people I had ever had the pleasure of knowing. Rest in peace, Stephanie.

While I was muddling through all the condolences and heartfelt memories of my old friend, I noticed some happy things in the fray of my news feed. Four acquaintances/friends of mine are due with babies next spring. They had very cute birth announcements accompanied by slew of supportive comments and sweet words. I understand and readily accept death and it has never surprised me, until now. This event has done something to me that I cannot quite describe. As I reflected that evening and during Lili’s middle of the night feed, I realized how scarily short, yet endlessly precious, life truly is.

The gift of life is precious and can be gone in a split second without warning. Thus, it is imperative to honestly live every single day to its fullest extent. Not doing so is almost selfish, and rather insulting to those who have had everything taken from them in the blink of an eye. Enjoy life, and treasure it. Be able to bring life into this world is, by far, the greatest super power we have and it is an honor to be able to nurture those lives. The lack of sleep, sore nipples, hormonal breakdowns, endless doctors visits, and constant diaper changes are such trivial annoyances that are in some way a privilege.

Life is a privilege. Embrace and cherish it, no matter how long it may last.