Every moment of every day is precious. 

Yes, we say that, and we hear it all the time. Do we actually experience it, or is it just something we know? Because knowing and experiencing are two different things. I wrote about that back when I was going through my C-Adventure.

I was planning on having lunch with my friend, Melany, today, Wednesday, September 4. We were going to speak about updating her logo. You see, she just recently retired from her corporate job (at 58 years old) and was ready to continue her studies in herbalism (making plant medicine) and add it to her nutrition degree. She was very passionate about both; she would share articles with our group about various different health insights. Her last one was “How to Exercise During Menopause,” from the New York Times.

I have to back up and give you a little background on a group of friends I have had for almost 30 years. We met back in the days of Spa Fitness, way before Vasa and before Gold’s gym. Many moons ago, a few of us were high-end aerobic and step instructors, and we have stayed connected throughout the years.

We have been friends through most of life’s most challenging and joyful events. Marriages, children, divorce, disease, C-Adventures, and having close family members die.

I received a text from a friend in the group after I had seen she had already called and didn’t leave a voicemail—very unlike her. The text said to call her asap, I did. I was in my car, and she asked that I pull over. I didn’t want to because I could feel with every fiber of my being it was devasting news. Again, she asked I stop the car and pull over.

Our dear healthy friend, Melany, was at the gym working out when she had a brain (cerebral) aneurysm that led to a massive stroke and she died. Yes, just like that.

I have been in shock this past weekend, as all of us have. How do you wrap your head around something like this? Well, maybe knowing she didn’t suffer and was in no pain does help.

I know this from experience, from witnessing another long-time friend who had a very high IQ; he loved being a CPA and knowing the gray area of the taxes. I watched him deteriorate in less than a year from a brain tumor. From a man who could do major math calculations and creative solutions in his head in a matter of moments to having me cut up his food and feed him.

We know Mel didn’t suffer; it’s all of those who are left behind in her wake. I think of her dear mom losing her only child. Her soul-loving partner and every person that was blessed to know her. And, believe me, there were many.

I can say I witnessed Melany live her life with passion, traveling with her beloved and friends, hiking, biking, enjoying live music, and always connecting with Mother Nature. The song from One Republic, I Lived, comes to mind.

Why am I writing about this? Because tomorrow is never promised. Reach out to someone you have been thinking about or had an argument with; hug them. Let them know how much you love them and how much they mean to you. Yes, even if it’s uncomfortable. Let our wake-up call also be yours; don’t wait.

Life will go on—it always does. Life changes—that is Tai Chi. And the evening sky is a little brighter now with our friend being the star that she is and in all ways has been. 

Remember, “It is better (in all ways) to have loved and lost, then have never to have loved at all.”