On Life, Death, & Moving On

Life's not promised - to you, me, or anyone else. Make the most of today.

Marcus Lee. Friend. Mentor. Inspiration.

8 months ago today, one of my very best friends was killed. While driving to see his mother and family on Christmas Eve in what was a dangerous winter blizzard, Marcus Lee lost control of his car and got hit by an oncoming truck.

Today would have been his 38th birthday.

To say “it’s been hard” would be the grandest of understatements. The last real death I had to grapple with was more than 17 years ago, when my cousin was caught in a crossfire of bullets and innocently murdered on the streets of Boston. Thus, the grieving process has been a bumpy, uphill road that I’ve had to re-learn over and over again throughout these past few months.

Then yesterday, we East-coasters found ourselves in a frenzy over an earthquake that was centered in Virginia, but whose effects were felt as far north as New Hampshire. Luckily for me, I didn’t feel anything (I may or may not have been taking an afternoon siesta).

And then today, news of Steve Jobs’ retirement sent shockwaves through the news and business communities. This brilliant man who single-handedly gave Apple its street cred and cool factor is leaving the company that brought him billions of dollars in net worth and a permanent place in our culture. Although he hasn’t formally announced a reason, it’s not a stretch to speculate that it may be medical related. Imagine – a man of his stature with that level of wealth being forced to come to terms with reality – that no one is promised forever. Hell, no one is promised tomorrow.

I say all these things because each instance – celebrating a friend’s life, coming to terms with Mother Nature’s [sometimes] unyielding fury, and being reminded of man’s mortality – has emphasized life’s fragility. Our circumstances as people are different, but overall – we are lucky to be here.

Alive.

Be good to yourself. Be positive. Be present. Be hopeful. Be thoughtful. Be kind to others. Whatever you do, make the most of today.

Peace.