Greatness begins with awareness.

A Sad Reminder of What’s Important

HeartThis past week, my family had a sudden and shocking loss; my beloved 73-year-old cousin was instantly killed in an automobile accident. Within days, the family gathered for a moving memorial service.

I was particularly struck by a memory my cousin’s son shared in his father’s eulogy. When he was young, his dad had been his soccer coach.  A few times, after a game, the two of them had gone to White Castle for sliders and reviewed the game. My cousin remembered that shared experience and described it fondly, with humor.

This simple story jumped out at me as a reminder that the important thing in life is to make time for each other to connect. Many of us are so busy, getting here and there. Yet this story of a son and his father shows us that love – and life – happens in those simple moments.  The love that lived between a father and son was palpable as my cousin recounted his memory. Everyone was deeply touched by his love, sorrow and loss.

After the service, the conversations among the community of family and friends were full of honesty and tenderness. There was a powerful, touching rawness to the love and connection we felt for one another as we hugged and cried. Many described the afternoon and evening that we spent together as healing and comforting.

The feelings continued after we all returned to our homes across the country, as heartfelt messages of thankfulness circled around among the family. Reading the email messages, I felt profound love and pride. The unexpected loss reminded all of us of how important it is to cherish every single day and make time and space for the people we love, regardless of what is going on in our lives. I am certainly mindful of that. Are you?

5 Comments

  1. Amy Courage

    Beautiful Sue.
    And I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved cousin.
    Thinking of you all in this sad time.
    xo amy

    Reply
    • Susan

      Thank you, Amy!

      Reply
  2. Gail

    So sorry for your loss and pain.

    So grateful for your insight, wisdom and reminder!

    Reply
    • Susan

      Gail, thanks for you reach out. Appreciate it.
      Susan

      Reply
  3. Janie

    Sorry for the loss of your dear cousin. What you have written is beautiful Susan.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Similar Posts

Are You a Grateful Leader?

Many of us share what we are grateful for at the Thanksgiving table. Yet, the attitude of gratitude shouldn’t be something that we only embrace once a year.

read more

LEADERSHIP COACHING

Reach new heights in the role you love by bringing more of what’s amazing about you into it.

TEAM DEVELOPMENT

Learn how to work together in the most productive way by leveraging the strengths of every person on the team.

Subscribe to Susan’s Blog

Learn how to work from your greatest strengths

Share This