TIME TO SMELL THE ROSESThis morning as I pondered what to write this month's newsletter about, it became clear to me that I really had no choice if I were to follow where my heart is at this very moment. I'd much rather write from the heart with sincerity and conviction than try and gloss over what I'm feeling with writing something about fitness that I could quote in my sleep.Losing a loved one can bring you to a reality check unlike any other event in life. Few things have a way of bringing you to your knees like this one can. I am so guilty of getting caught up in life's busy day-to-day schedule and obligations that many times I feel detached and void of the connection that brings meaning to why I am on this planet in the first place. My uncle died last week and though we saw it coming for some time it still provided a wake-up call I wasn't prepared for. I must admit that I've never been to a funeral service like his and probably won't again for some time, if ever. That's because he was truly one of the most unique individuals I've ever had the privilege of knowing. His outlook was always sunny and bright. He sang constantly and smiled and joked the rest of the time. His list of health issues would stagger the best of us, yet he continued to have an optimistic outlook until his dying breath. From Parkinson's, Diabetes, Cirrhosis, bad knees, falling and breaking a hip and shoulder, and on and on...this man just wouldn't and couldn't stop trying to brighten up anyone's life he came into contact with. I sat in that funeral home and watched as person after person filed through to pay their last respects to this man. I watched as they laughed and cried in his memory. I looked into the faces of everyone I spoke with on Thursday as we all sadly celebrated a man's life who touched so many in ways we knew would leave a void in our hearts forever for his passing. As I continue to watch so many people mourn his death, I can't help but question what I've done in my life that would leave any kind of meaningful afterthought beyond my existence. Then it hit me...it's not too late. Each one of us that my uncle left behind still has the opportunity to affect our fellow traveler's lives in ways we may never truly comprehend. Uncle Steve had no letters before or after his name to mark special status or education though he studied hard for his two-year degree in order to earn more pay and better provide for his family. He was a simple man who led a simple life. He served his country proudly in the Air Force and though he never served on the front lines in Viet Nam as some of his peers did, he served behind the scenes and poignantly recounted how he felt as he pulled the bodies of his fallen comrades from the airplanes after their final return home. My uncle had no purple hearts or honorary degrees marking his importance or heroics, yet his memorial service humbled me like no other. It made me proud to be his niece and more importantly, it made me want to be a better person for the rest of my time on this earth. My uncle had a gift for smelling roses even under the most dire circumstances and spreading that sweet aroma to all he came into contact with. You may wonder what any of this has to do with health and fitness. All I know is without our connection to the very things that give our lives meaning, like love, relationships, laughter, singing, dancing, and just being joyous...fitness feels to me like a mute point. Thanks, Uncle Steve, for showing those who knew and loved you what courage and dignity, love and compassion, and inspired purpose can look like until the very end. I may not ever know what your complete purpose was (nor mine), but anyone who knew you can say you made them laugh and smile whenever you were around. Not a bad legacy to leave behind. May we all learn from your awesome example. In loving memory of my amazing uncle, Steve Wright, who crossed over Sunday, February 5, 2012. GET MY BOOKS FREE!
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