Live. Laugh. Love.
I know, so cliché, right? Or is it?
Often people will look at that phrase that is plastered over
merchandise in stores and look the other way because we believe it’s overused,
just another saying or even cheesy. But what if we really thought about those
three short words.
Live. Do we live life to the fullest and see the joys in
even the smallest pleasures of life. Do we take chances, risks or adventures?
Laugh. Do we take time to surround ourselves with laughter,
smiles and people who bring us both? Do we laugh at ourselves and allow
ourselves to completely let go?
Love. Do we allow ourselves to put others before ourselves
and truly love them? Do we open ourselves up to also be loved?
It’s been a month since the world lost one
amazing woman after a battle with cancer. Amy Mitchell was like a second mom to
me. She loved without hesitation, truly caring for the people who have crossed
her path.
She had one amazing sense of humor. She knew how to find the
positive in every situation and how to make an event truly an event to
remember. Life for Amy was about making things fun and exciting. She knew how
to laugh, even at herself.
And she knew how to live and appreciate life. As she went
through treatment, she still had a smile on her face. She would count her
blessings and not focus on her hardships. She told me that she was OK with
whatever was handed to her because how could she ask for God’s blessings if she
didn’t also take the challenges. She was strong.
I remember going over to the house just to grab some mail I
had there or something I was borrowing from a family member and I would end up
talking with her for a good hour. Amy genuinely cared for people and their
lives.
And she loved her family beyond words. Her marriage to
Leonard was encouraging and wonderful to see. She raised three beautiful
daughters and one handsome son, who each have a bit of her in them. I know
she would be beyond proud of them every day of their lives.
Life is precious. Why do we wait for someone to be taken
away to realize that? I hope that I can learn from everyone around me while
they are with me and not take them or opportunities for granted.
One month later and I still think about Amy’s impact. How
she lived. How she laughed. How she loved.
