Sometimes in life you are reminded that life is worth living and therefore, you should live life well. Don’t just exist! Don’t sweat the big or the small stuff. Make the most of every opportunity; cherish life and the relationships you have… Death reminded me this time. About 6 or 7 years ago, a dear man, Tom, took me under his wing and called me his daughter. What a blessing! I met him through his wonderful wife, Jen. Yesterday (Thursday, January 19, 2017) Tom passed away… his journey with ALS* came to an end.
While my heart is distraught about his departure, I was reminded that you have to LIVE LIFE! Tom lived life with his wife, children and so many that he loved. He was very loving, caring, thoughtful, generous and selfless. He never gave it a second thought when there was a need to fill and sometimes he didn’t even need to be asked, he saw a need and fulfilled it. What a legacy to leave for those that remain. LIVE LIFE selflessly. That’s what I take from this sad departure. I rejoice knowing that he is no longer in pain. The Word of God reminds us, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) We have all the grace we need to LIVE LIFE. And also, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Since Tom is no longer on earth with us, he is now with Jesus, and I believe he is singing with the angels.
Although I will never understand (in this life) why… or how come… I will continue to stand strong and be an encouragement to other people to LIVE LIFE despite your circumstances. If things are not going the way you planned, hoped or dreamed, do something about it. Please, don’t wallow… LIVE LIFE! Create worthwhile memories!
Memories: Tom enjoyed traveling and I had the privilege to go on a trip to Zimbabwe with him back in December 2012. It was his first time, but he was such a great sport! I will never forget that experience with him. Remember, there is always a first time for everything. Don’t restrict yourself to live inside a box. The world is waiting to be explored by you… even if that world is just getting out of your town, city or state… branch out and LIVE LIFE! In the process, make wise choices and as the famous saying goes: “Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much” because you are worth it!
- Tribute to Tom Lorenzen
(*ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Read more about it at www.alsa.org/about-als)
