We are all connected. Somehow and someway we are all connected. Not necessarily in the physical sense of being connected but in a way beyond the physical. Maybe spiritually we have a bond of connection. Maybe we are connected through others. The most honest and primitive way we are connected is through our DNA.

I say all of that to say this. Treat each other with respect. No matter how you are being treated be the person to be positive, level headed and respectful. This is challenging to do on a daily basis. If you change your perception and treat everyone as they are connected you may grow to understand situations and people a little better. Stay true to yourself but also respectful to other. Be connected. Stay connected.

I have always owned pets. Since I was in grade school I have had a variety a different pet companions. I once had a hermit crab that I told every secret to when I was in middle school and when he died it was like loosing my best friend. I continued this relationship with almost all my pets through the years. I would always grow attached knowing that one day they would either die or I would have to make the decision to euthanize due to health concerns or quality of life. I can honestly say it has never gotten any easier over the years and I would argue it only gets worse.

Today we had to euthanize our Simba cat that we have had almost 20 years. To think this cat is older then my oldest son is crazy. He has been through almost every adult milestone in our lives. The good and bad he was part of all of it. We have always had a cat even though I am more of a dog person. It still hits hard knowing that he is no longer going to be there. He goes to the grave having listened to many humans complain to him and use him for comfort through the years. He was a furry family member and that space can’t be filled.

I truly believe pets are a blessing. They hep calm the souls of their owners. They watch over of as we sleep. They listen when nobody seems to listen. They are completely without judgement. If you take care of them they take care of you in ways you may never understand. If you have a pet let them know that you care today. Maybe give them their favorite treat. Maybe tell them a story. Even if you don’t thing they understand you believe me they do. I will miss you Simba. Thank you for being such a cool cat. I hope that spirits meet again someday.

Although we are all aware of death and have the wherewithal to know we are going to die it does not make the realization any easier. This week has been full of tragedy for so many of those I know.

It started with a woman that works for the same company as I do. She was found unresponsive at home and they were unable to revive her. She was 40 years old and that happens to be my age. Makes you take the time and think about life and how precious it is and also how much we sometimes take everyday for granted.

Yesterday I received word that my first cousin once removed and her 6 year old son where involved in a car accident that ended both of their lives. She was only 23 years old. I was brought up believing that God has a plan for each of us and when tragedies like these occur it’s hard to believe that such a loss could be part of any plan. I do believe though that everything happens for a reason even if we don’t always understand that reason. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers and also say a prayer for the other individual invoked in the tragic accident.

Today I got word that a friend of my parents mother passed away after being diagnosed with Covid pneumonia. She lived a full life into her 80’s but still seemingly taken to soon by a contributing virus that 2 yrs ago didn’t exist. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families as well during their time of mourning.

To continue the bad news for the day I was informed that another co worker lost her father. I don’t have any details regarding his passing but I can only begin to imagine the pain she is feeling with the loss of her father. We have had conversations about family and always her father was a huge influence in her life and was her rock. I pray for her and her family during this time.

Death is all around us. There is no cure for death and there is no way of knowing when your last year, month, day or even hour might be. I struggle with anxiety and more so lately with the stress of a new baby, demanding job and new health issues with being a type 2 diabetic. Like many of you I do not care to die anytime soon. I am doing my best to take care of myself so that I can be around as long as possible. I am not scared of dying so mush as I am more scared of not living to see my boys get older.

I’ll say a prayer this evening for all the families that I mentioned that have experienced loss this week. I ask that you all say a prayer for my family as well as me personally. Send out positive thoughts always. Take the time this week to reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in awhile and just say hi. Call your mom or dad and tell them you love them. Call a grandparent, sibling or a extended family member. Don’t miss the opportunity to tell those around you that your care. Lastly understand that life is to short and that we only have a little time on earth to show caring and kindness. Spend time being more compassionate and less time being indifferent towards others. Have a blessed week.