Embracing Life: Reflections on Mortality and Gratitude for Those Who Matter | On Point

We are in the midst of death!

It is a comment I have often heard my mother repeat . . . still to this day.

Before, I ignored it, but these days, it is a comment I now find myself saying.

This is not intended to be morbid, but it is a reminder that we need to live in the moment and cherish those who mean a lot to us.

Give people the flowers they deserve while they are alive. Tell them what they mean to you.

The morbid but real thought of death has been on my mind in recent weeks, perhaps because I have experienced losses of some who were close and those who I just knew in passing, but was always aware of their presence.

I will not write about all, but today I purposely choose three people who recently ended their sojourn on this earth.

First, Dr. Donna Matthew, full of life and colorful in her outlook. Less than two weeks before her death, she invited me to her birthday lime, and I’m glad I went.

Veteran photographer Charles Grant, who contributed greatly to my career and helped many young reporters, and Ann Walcott, who, despite health challenges, always wore a bright smile. Her breast cancer journey inspired many.

To their families, my condolences.

This isn’t to sadden you, but to emphasize living your best life. Give your best, be kind, and always strive to be your best.

Give those flowers abundantly. You never know when your number will be called.

Read the full article in this week’s edition of On Point

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