I am writing this post in response to the announcement of
death for Cory Monteith.
First, let me say that I was not Cory’s biggest fan. Sure, I
noticed him here and there once in a while, but overall he did not stand out in
my memory. That was until I saw him on Glee. Finn Hudson, the character he
played, was not my favorite. But as he stood up for Kurt and cheered on the
Glee squad, I noticed that smirk and bright eyes more and more. I understand the
actor who played Finn was not a James Dean or a Kurt Cobain. Some feel he did
not blaze a path for others to follow, but he did try hard to give voice to
that “normal kid” who was popular but still terribly insecure. And for that I
give him major props. While I am a fan of the show, and maybe even a Gleek, I
did not study the intimidate details of Cory’s or anyone else’s life. I did not
know that he had struggles with drugs, but it was not terribly surprising to
find out. Everyone has their struggles,
failures, and victories.
The reason I write this post (and dedicate it to Cory) is
simple: Because once again I am reminded of the short breath of life that
exists in each one of us. I know we all think “here today, gone tomorrow”, but
do we really treat life that way? Do we acknowledge the people that mean the
most to us? Do we cherish every experience as if it might be the last time? Do
we honor each other and ourselves in only committing what we can, time, money,
or energy wise? Do we, as Tim McGraw sings, “live like we are dying”? I ask
these questions not as a lecture for anyone else, but as a reminder to myself
that “Tomorrow is not Guaranteed!”
And my biggest hope when I perish is that others will see my
life and remember me giving all I could, to myself, my wife, my family, my
friends, and perhaps even to those I don’t know. I hope that people remember
the kindness I’ve shown, the forgiveness I’ve offered, the love we’ve shared,
the memories (great and small) we built together. I hope that I have let go of
my hatred, my anger, my grudges, and my insecurities. I don’t care if I die
with money or possessions, big houses, pretty clothes, and beautiful cars. I
would rather know that I meant something positive in the universe, that I
helped changed people’s lives for the better.
I admit: I am scared that I will be forgotten after I’m gone.
But if I am, I can only hope that someone somewhere has an easier, more
beneficial life because I dared to fight for love, honor, respect, compassion,
and the truth (Which for me is that we are all connected and have the ability
to change the direction of the wind.)
I hope this letter finds you all well. And if you are not,
think but this: You are still alive and have the ability to change your situation,
in thought, deed and action. If you need me to focus positive energy for you,
please let me know.
