Everyone is getting older.

In three months, my family has experienced a staggering amount of loss.  The reason it has been so staggering for us is because we've never experienced it before.  My family is getting to the point that everyone is getting older.  John said that once to me a few years ago, when his family was experiencing what my family is experiencing and I was heartbroken for him.  He said, "my family is older than your family.  We're going to lose some."  I must admit that during that time I was extremely glad that it was not my family.  Now I am a part of two families and this summer has been hard.

For my family it started with the loss of one of my grandparent's longtime neighbors, Mrs. Anthony.  Then, as I've discussed before the loss of my beloved grandfather.  Followed all too quickly by the loss of one of my grandparent's best friends, Norma.  After Norma passed, my cousins lost one of their aunts followed all to quickly again by the my cousin's husband losing his grandfather.  John lost another uncle last week.  Yesterday we lost an American Hero who was very dear to my family, Neil Armstrong.

I've never shared the story of why the first man to step on the moon was so special to my family on this blog.  I've shared it with friends and I wrote about it for a college project, but I've never discussed it on here.  For those who don't know, Neil Armstrong is from a small town called Wapakoneta - my mom's hometown.  One street past the street my family has lived on for most of their lives is called Neil Armstrong Drive and this is where his parent's home is/was located.  I've heard story, after story, after story about his parents and how kind and friendly they were.  I've also heard the story about my uncle playing basketball with Neil and his children when he returned from the moon.  My grandpa has quite a few hilarious stories he would tell us about his conversations with Neil - who remailed very quiet and wanted to be out of the public eye.  I wish I could have met him myself, he's always been one of my heroes.  Now, he is another person that we must wish a fond fairwell.

Everyone is getting older.  You never realize just how fragile life is, until you realize this small thing.  We're getting older, every day.  Why, even now after so much loss, do we not do the things we love, but kill ourselves by focusing so much on money and success?  Why can't we just take a moment to lay in the grass and watch the clouds or sit down and play a board game?  Before you know it, you're going to be older too, so take a moment and breathe.  Smile.  Call your best friend and chat for two hours.  Go for a picnic.  Take your parents out for dinner.  Surprise your grandparents with a visit (that was one of the best moments for me last year).

Everyone is getting older.