My friend, who I grew up with, told me that someone we know from the old ‘hood was killed last weekend in a car crash.  It was one of those totally random events that will muck up that family’s life forever.  My friend said in her email:
Things I have learned in life, being a nurse and working in an ER.

Bad things happen to good people.

Your life can change in the flash of a second with no warning.

I like the quote from the book, The Feast of Love by Charles Baxter,

‘We must collect our thoughts, for the unexpected is always upon us’.

With these thoughts in mind I’d like to remind you that I love you and cherish our friendship.”

Hard news to hear, but a perfect reminder about life and the value of friendship.  Then I read my horoscope from D.K. Brainard for this week for those of us who are Taurus:

Take time to luxuriate this week. What’s the use of working so hard to achieve the good life if you don’t allow yourself to enjoy it? No matter how much you accumulate or who you accumulate it with, all you really have is this moment. One of the most powerful tools the world shamanic tradition offers us is the choice to adopt Death as our adviser. Grasping the very real fact that our death is always out there waiting for us, and that he could take us at any moment, brings an intensely liberating perspective. As Don Miguel Ruiz writes in The Four Agreements:         

If we only have one week to live, let’s enjoy life. Let’s be alive. We can say, “I’m going to be myself. No longer am I going to run my life trying to please other people. No longer am I going to be afraid of what they think about me. What do I care what others think if I am going to die in one week? I’m going to be myself.”

Chances are you’re not going to die in one week, but living each day as if it could be your last opens you up to share the beautiful love that’s in your heart with the people you care about. Thursday night’s Full Moon in your sign urges you let go and love the people you care about, including and especially your own beautiful self.

This week my Uncle passed away.  He had battled cancer for some time.  When I talked to my Mom she was so grateful they had had the time during his illness to heal their relationship.  Even when skin cancer had left his face disfigured he had the courage to visit his home town and connect with family and friends.  She was so thankful she’d had that opportunity to get close to him after a lifetime of distance.  
All we have is this moment.  Let’s be alive.  Let’s be fearless.  Let’s do the absolute best we can.