Smile because it happened

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” - Dr. Seuss

Life was never meant to be fair. It was never meant to be free from hardship, sadness, disappointment, fear or heartbreak. Sometimes things happen without a cause; sometimes things do not add up neatly. But, in order to move on with our lives - because life must and does move on - we have to believe that there is a reason bad things happen to those who least deserve them.

One life ends before it began. Another life blooms briefly and flies back to heaven. Another life, worn from age, abruptly ends. This is life and death is a very big part of it. Each life, no matter how brief or how long, touches the lives of those around them. And when life ends, whenever that time may be, it is both a tragedy and a reason for celebration. It is a tragedy because it is a story that has a final ending; there will be no other stories to tell, except for the memories that person leaves behind for their loved ones. Yet, it is also a celebration: a celebration of the miracle of life, the wonder of hope, and the power of love.

So, my dear friends, don't cry because your loved one is gone. Smile because they were here and they left an indelible mark on you. Smile because you had the wonderful opportunity to meet them, no matter how brief the meeting or how suddenly it ended.

Life was never meant to be fair but it is meant to be celebrated.