Gone Too Early

A classmate from high school passed away and through social media, we all learned of her passing. It was sudden, yet nobody seems to know the reason she died. And while I understand it’s none of anybody’s business, I still wonder how/why and the circumstances. Because she was well-known as a girl (sorry even though we’re in our 50’s she’s that girl from high school to me) who had a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh and a huge heart. She’s left behind a son in his 20’s whom she loved very much, which is so sad.

While I love to read the multiple posts on social media of people’s memories about her and how wonderful she was (and I mean no disrespect by any of this), it bothered me. You know why? Because I wonder how many of those people told her how they felt before it was too late. You know what I mean? Because you can put up all these wonderful things about her, but she’s not here to read them or know them. And sure, perhaps from the other side she can smile about being remembered in such loving ways, but wouldn’t it have been better to be saying those things while she was still alive?

Perhaps I’m being too sensitive about the subject, but I’m feeling pretty strongly that what’s lacking in our current situation is that we forget to tell people how much we love them, how much we appreciate them and call out the amazing attributes that they have in our eyes while they’re still here to feel the warmth and connections we have with them. I don’t want anyone to wax poetic about me (if that would even happen) after I’m dead and gone all over social media, when it might have been more powerful if they had taken the time while I was alive to say those things to me directly.

I don’t feel as if she were the type to take her life, but things are all so uncertain these days and many people are suffering in isolating silence, that I don’t know. Her last few posts were happy and she didn’t look sick, but it was a sudden death so maybe it was a medical issue she didn’t know about that took her life too early.

However, I guess my point is that it’s past time to make sure that all are accounted for, that you reach out to people to make sure they’re ok and if you’re feeling not so ok these days, I hope you find someone to talk to and to connect with so that you can feel better.

My virtual door is always open here at Chez Leeds. Reach out if you need a friend. I don’t want anyone to go unnoticed. And if you’re unsure, take that step and reach out anyway. We can all help each other through these trying times.

May K. Rest In Peace.