Today

March 5th.

I don't like this date, although I try to enjoy it as much as I can. The sun is shining in full force today, so that helps.

You see, on March 5th, 1999 at 11:25am, my mom died.
She was 51. I was 21.

My mom was an amazing person who lived a rough life. Despite the crappy hand life had dealt her, she was kind, thoughtful and giving. She positively touched the lives of everyone she met. I can only hope to do the same in my lifetime. She always saw humor in things, no matter how bad they were. And, believe me, they were bad for a long time.

Having lost someone so close at such a young age really affected the way I look at life. Unlike most, I don't see birthdays as a horrible, awful day. I celebrate each one, happy to be here another year. I try to LIVE my life. Truly live it, as opposed to floating thru my days. I don't want fear holding me back from things I want to do.

I know my mom felt trapped in her life. And, unfortunately, she ran out of time before she could break free and truly be happy.

I've posted this on here before:

This is the Holstee manifesto. You can read about Holstee and their manifesto here.

I love this manifesto.

So much that it's the wallpaper on my desktop. And I've purchased the poster. Once we move, I'll have it framed and hang it in a place I can see it every day.

I believe these are words to live by. They ring so true to me that reading them occasionally brings tears to my eyes. They are excellent reminders that life IS beautiful. That we need to live our lives. Be happy. And share that happiness with others.

You only get one life. There's no reason you shouldn't (or couldn't) make it a happy one, the best one you can have.

Not long ago, I found this video of the Holstee manifesto:



I thought it would be fitting to share today. The day I think of my mom, who she was and all she could have been.

Life is short, people. Don't forget it.

Love you, Mom.
Neener neener on your knee.
xoxo


Side note: I apologize part of the video is cutting off. I've tried to fix it, but my attempts are futile. You can go to You Tube to view the video, in full-screen here.