gratitude

Remember me

by Katie Welker

One day your life here on Earth will end.

Perhaps it will be sudden, taking everyone who knows you by complete surprise. Maybe it will be due to illness and with much notice. Some may die tragically, others peacefully with little pain. There’s no real way to know.

If my experiences with death have taught me anything, it’s to not be naive about the fact that life will at one point end for us all. We will stop breathing, the blood will no longer run through our veins, and those who are survived by us will have to learn how to adapt to the world that waits for no one.

So I ask you this: when your time comes to an end, how do you want to be remembered? 

Will you be seen as the man with the golden heart, the girl who put everyone else’s needs above her own, the guy who had the whole room laughing until they cried… What will they say about you? 

Yes, it’s a petrifying realization that tomorrow is not promised. It’s nearly impossible to fathom, actually. But what good is life if you’re scared to live it because the end is out of your control?

Fear is a liar. Start living.

Teach me how to vortex

by Katie Welker

What the polar vortex, or any storm in Buffalo will teach you:

1. Random acts of kindness should be done whenever possible, no matter the conditions.

While i’m fortunate enough to be working from the comfort of my own home today, not as many people have that luxury. Do what you can to make today (and all days) easier for others if it’s within your means to do so.

Offer to let your friends come over for a home-cooked meal if they’re low on groceries, bring a cup of hot cocoa out to the mail man (or woman) who is walking through the cold wind or call your family to check in with the few extra minutes you may have today. Random acts of kindness help others, but they also make you feel good too.

2. Unpredictability is scary.

My twin sister texted me today saying that she, my older sister and my niece got into a car accident. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem like the injuries are too serious. The car is another story, but while stressful, that’s a replaceable item that doesn’t deserve an ounce of worry at the moment.

Storms make driving unpredictable. While some will say, “it’s not that bad!” and are okay venturing out, I would rather not take my chances. Unpredictability is always a reminder to me that I have to say, “I love you” to those I care about whenever possible. You just never know.

text

And last, but certainly not least…

3. You are never, I repeat, NEVER, too old to play in the snow.  

Exhibit A:

 

The great take away from spending the last two days at my house because of the weather? 

Be kind. Say “I love you.” Have fun.