By Jeff Baird
Yesterday, we went to a friend’s life celebration who had left us recently due to a heart attack. He was larger than life itself. Funniest guy I have ever had the pleasure of spending quality time with. I knew his life celebration would be something special. And, it did not disappoint. His spirit lifted our spirits as we laughed and cried together and shared memories. It was perfect and it was beautiful.
The party was in one of the most scenic places you could ever visit in Colorado or anywhere else for that matter. It was his favorite spot, that he just called “the land.” Him and some friends bought and built a place called “Coolsville.” They head up there on the weekends to unwind and get away from it all for a while. John was definitely there with us yesterday, just not on the physical plane. But, I kept thinking I was seeing him out of the corner of my eye.
The laughs we shared were in full force yesterday as new ones came along even though our collective hearts were breaking that John had left us. There are so many great memories. Thank You John. You know I love you and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Yesterday was perfect, wasn’t it? See you on the other side brother. Alright, I’ll go camping with you. Sorry, that’s an inside joke that I just could not ignore. That was for John.
I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately just like everyone else during these unpredictable times. I keep getting back to “Love One Another.” One of the guys who stood up and spoke at John’s celebration talked about how sometimes we all just talk about really nothing at all on a daily basis with those close to us. He said, “We never talk about love. But, now that he’s gone, that’s all I’m thinking about. I’m thinking about how much I loved John and how much all of you loved him too.” Amen.
This weekend, I got to spend some quality time with both of my kids. It was a great weekend. They both love John too and came to his celebration yesterday. They have known him since they were very little kids. They have blessed me with the greatest life filled with so many cherished memories. I was so proud of them yesterday and I’m always proud of them. They have given me countless magical moments that I never could have imagined. My gratitude couldn’t run any deeper. They’re so much like their mom in so many ways! My close family members are also my best friends. I am so grateful for them.
We’re all here for a really short period of time considering the age of the universe. I feel like barely a grain of sand when I see photos of the enormity of our galaxy or look at the mountain sky at night. We’re here and then we’re not. It really is like the blink of any eye. Life happens in the fast lane and the speed limit seems to keep going up as I get older. John Lennon, who shares the same birthday as me, said, “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” It’s so true, isn’t it?
I have friends who are family. They may not have the same blood as I do, but it doesn’t matter to me because they’re family. Its important for us to stay connected, especially during a pandemic. Choose to reach out and be a friend to someone today. They may be hurting and you could brighten their day just by reaching out and keeping in touch with them, just like you said that you would.
When it comes right down to it, we’re all connected and so we’re all kind of family and friends regardless of our skin color, language, shape, size or beliefs. Just like the song said, “We Are Family.” Be kind to your family and friends and love one another. We are here for such a short period of time and love is still the most powerful force in the world regardless of what others may think or say. Believe in the power of love and share that belief with others. The world can surely use some love these days and every little bit counts.
If you’re by yourself, be kind to yourself. Love yourself. You deserve it. Plus, you’re part of my family and I want my family members to feel their best. These are wild times and it’s important for us to stay grounded. Connecting with someone or something positive can help us along the way when we meet challenges. Remember this too – You are never alone. It’s true. None of us are ever alone.
We are surrounded by loved ones. Some of them we just can’t see with the naked eye. But, loved ones who want to help us are closer than what we might think. I have seen them in action too many times to think otherwise. Some of my angelic helpers are family and some are friends, but they all love me just the same and have helped me countless times. They especially like to show up during a Reiki session and it’s very cool when they meet the Reiki recipients’ loved ones who have passed as well. Just like I always say, “Healing is a Team Effort.” I am so grateful that I am on the family & friends plan.