To preface, I wrote this a week ago on mother's day. I hadn't finished, but today I decided just to post it anyway. Here's my entry:
"I woke up this morning to sun streaming through the open windows, and blue sky peeking through the brilliant green leaves of our neighbor's trees outside. I could smell the fresh morning air, and hear the stirrings of a few siblings. To me, it seemed that it was the perfect beginning to mother's day.
An hour later I ran over a median in the road, popped a tire, broke a rim, and even got a bush stuck in the tailpipe of my dad's Chrysler. At the time, it seemed like the end of the world, and though I was grateful that nothing worse happened, I couldn't stop thinking about all the expense of my two second mistake.
Now it's 8:15 pm, and I just found out that my cousin (who's been struggling with cancer) is doing very poorly. I'm just marveling at how I can be so caught up and so concerned about little things every day, when there are hundreds of thousands of kids who are so grateful for the moments they have just to live, and be with their family. I get so upset at my brothers for making a mess, or my world falls apart when I get a B in class, when in truth I should be rejoicing just to have brothers, and full of gratitude for a college education.
My cousin Tyler was only 14 when he was diagnosed. He was healthy and athletic, and what's more, the cancer he was diagnosed with is extremely rare in kids his age. He's fought and fought for life - cancer didn't stop him from playing basketball, golf, or other sports, even if he was sick between shots.
I just want to commit more now than ever before, to never wasting a moment of the precious gift of life."
Tyler passed away on Saturday night, the 19 of May. He was super tough, and he literally fought to the finish. For a while I was sure he would make it. I have never known anyone so positive, so faithful, and with such an energy for living while dying. I wasn't around him at all while he was going through everything, but from what his mother said, I know Tyler didn't complain. What a man! I'm just so grateful for heroes like him that our Heavenly Father allows us to know even for a short time. No wonder he couldn't stay with us - there was important work for him on the other side.
I just hope that when my own trials come, I will be able to face them with the same faith, courage, and cheerful attitude. Thanks Tyler, for your example. :)
