Life Is Not Guaranteed
By kbourgerie
@kbourgerie (8780)
United States
January 12, 2009 3:11pm CST
Yesterday, I found out that someone I had worked with passed away. Not that long ago she had a heart attack and had to have bypass surgery. Not quadruple, but whatever the next one up is. I personally didn't know such a surgery existed, and I'm still not sure, but either way she ended up in critical care. She was a beautiful person, the kind that you could count on if you were short on lunch money, needed a shoulder to cry on or whatever the case might be. A motherly type to say the least. Everyone looked to her as a mentor and she deserved that label. She passed away in her sleep two days ago at the young age of 56 and I still can't get over it. So all I wanted to say, is don't take life for granted or those friends, family, or co-workers that you have come to believe will always be there, because its possible that perhaps they won't be. Good night Ellen. We love you.
6 people like this
12 responses
@ElicBxn (63653)
• United States
13 Jan 09
I am so sorry to hear about your friend/co-worker.
I lost a friend 10 years ago of cancer at the young age of 48. She was much the same way, but not really "motherly" but there for her friends.
I know that this affected her family even more her friends and co-workers.
2 people like this
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
18 Jan 09
I wanted to go to her service, but apparently her wishes were for no service. I respect that, but still wish I could have said goodbye more formally.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
13 Jan 09
It's difficult to lose family and friends. And yes there is surgery 'up' from quadruple. My parents have both had it.
My heart goes out to you dear Kate. To have worked with someone as lovely as this lady sounds, is not just a privilege, but it's very rare too! I'm glad she passed peacefully and you are so right, life should not be taken for granted and especially not the people that life touches. I will endevour to remember that more actively! Hugs to you in your loss my friend and Blessings to you.
2 people like this
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
18 Jan 09
Both parents? OMG, that must be absolutely scary and heart wrenching. That's a lot to have had to endure. I hope they are ok now.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
18 Jan 09
Dad started by having a severe heart attack in his mid forties. Mum in her mid fifties. Complicate this with other things (my father beating cancer 5 times!) and my mother's severe arthritis and yeah, it's been rough for everyone in the family.
But they are both in their mid-eighties now, shrunken but walking, talking and living in the same Condo they've had for over 25 years now, so there is life after/during heart disease!
@Vincent129 (111)
• China
13 Jan 09
feel sorry about that. Life is really not guaranteed. It is so fragile. I have such a same experience last year. One of my teacher passed away by the lung cancer quickly. He was tested and confirmed the tumor when it is too late. Since too busy on working, i didn't even have time to see him. I feel really bad and regret about that. Yes, of cause life is fragile. So let's keep kind to the surrounding people and enjoy every minute with them.
1 person likes this
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
19 Jan 09
Its so easy to take for granted that those around you will continue to be there and so heart wrenching when they suddenly are not.
1 person likes this
@dookie03 (578)
• United States
13 Jan 09
For firsts i am sorry for your loss even though they weren't related to you we still develop wonderful relationships with friends and co-workers. It is amazing what our health does to us in our older age and i'm sure when i reach those upper years i will be more concerned with my health than i am now. I just hope that i have a good prosperous life and that my family will carry on nicely without me once i'm gone.
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
15 Jan 09
Unfortunately, health calamities can affect us at any age. Just depends on how well we take care of our bodies. And even then, its not always guaranteed.
@snipergunga (14)
•
12 Jan 09
I agree with you. Always say hello to the person someone hardly ever talks to, you never know you may make their day :)
2 people like this
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
12 Jan 09
Its not that no one talked to her, because she was the kind that you could talk to no matter what. She always had time to listen. You still make a valid point, however, be kind to everyone, no matter what.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
11 Feb 09
When things like that happen, it makes us stop and think, doesn't it. Most of the time we do not even think about it. We all need to live for the day, and treat everyone as if it is our last day on earth.
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
13 Jan 09
The ages of 50 to 60 are the crucial ones. That's what separate the healthy people from the unhealthy ones.
In order to live a long happy life... you need to reach 60 without any major illness. There is still no guarantee... but you have a better chance. If you make it to 65 without getting sick... things are really looking good.
But all that said... there is no age limit to be hit by a bus.
And if you get lazy and stop moving once you retire at 65... all that good health can change rapidly into an heart attack or a stroke by the time you are 67.
The first rule about good health is to exercise everyday. Even if it is just a walk to the corner store. And you need motivation... because mental health is just as important.
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
18 Jan 09
I think your comment about mental health is really important. They say you are only as young as you feel. I am a true believer in that statement. If you start getting older and lose that feeling of youth, you can quickly lose your physical health.
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
12 Jan 09
My condolenses to you and her friends and family. It is hard losing someone you care about. She is no longer in pain and she's at peace now. Peace be with you dear friend.
1 person likes this
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
18 Jan 09
Thank you for your advice. I do the best I can with the time I have. I may answer awhile after the fact, but I answer when and if I can.
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
12 Jan 09
I forgot you also need to reply to other post and people will get to know you from what you say in your posts. Write more and answer other posts. Also mark in your friends list to have post come to you when others in your friend list post. Then use the "+" signs for the ones you like and the best response for the one that you think is best.
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
13 Jan 09
Hi kb,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I wrote above my avatar, Live For Today, For Tomorrow May Never Come.
I live every moment in that mind set. I have for as long as I can remember. It is so sad to lose someone and we are never ready for that, but live the kind of life that makes you feel ready to meet our Maker!! Don't live thinking that you have plenty of time to make up for something that you have done and don't feel good about it. Do it now, because we are not promised tomorrow. We've all shared in the loss of many of our friends loss this Holiday Season. I hope that I can be there for all my friends. Rest in Peace Ellen, you will be missed.
leenie
1 person likes this
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
18 Jan 09
Your comment to Ellen was very sweet. Thanks for being so thoughtful.
1 person likes this
@Lydiali20008 (41)
• China
13 Jan 09
yes.life is not guaranteed.nothing is guaranteed.for example,love.before yesterday we were in love and having sweetness together but the next minute we broke up.the love is far gone...I wont trust any man anymore
1 person likes this
