Just over a week ago two women we knew were killed in a car accident. Like all accidents it was a waste of human life. In this case the women happened to be experts in their fields of nursing, teachers, mentors, friends, sisters, a mother, on and on. As I said, it was a huge waste of all the things they brought to this world.
I knew both of them, but not well. I think that was my great loss. I am reminded of the old joke about the farmer using the 2 by 4 to get the mule's attention. These deaths got my attention. They were an all too vivid reminder of my own mortality and that our days are few. They reminded me that most of the squabbles and disagreements we have are petty. That we should be about mending fences and finding points of agreement, not allowing differences to come between us. To say words of encouragement, to tell our loved ones and friends that we value and love them. To not let the sun set on an argument.
I know these sentiments are trite. I know I will forget what I am feeling now. I hope that it won't take such a horrific event to get my attention when I do.
