It's kind of wierd to be talking about this, but I know that many of us get introspective this time of year. I normally get a little stressed, impatient, etc - family expectations, personal expectations, all the "holiday" stuff and the stress that comes with it. And I'm sure I'm not alone.

I learned last week that a friend from graduate school and his fiancee were killed in a car wreck during last week's bad weather. I just returned from the funeral. They were 26 and 27 years old, respectively, recently engaged and scheduled to graduate with their PhDs on Saturday.

I don't say this because I'm looking for sympathy, but more to remind myself and everyone else to keep things in perspective. On one hand, keep in mind that the little stuff doesn't matter - frustrations over weight, little slipups, irksome family encounters, etc. On the other hand, keep in mind what DOES matter - appreciate what you have, keep your focus on what's important to you, and remember to tell your friends and family what they mean to you.

Again, I'm really not trying to be a downer, but just thought I'd bring this up in the hopes that it would help people keep perspective during the stresses of the next week or so.

(And, drive safely! Sometimes it's just not worth being on the roads!)

Thank you for the reminder. My favorite part of Christmas is seeing and celebrating the people that I love, and I try to remember to say it out loud every year. It can be so easy to forget when things get hectic.

I'm sorry for your loss

Rock, thanks for sharing such a thougtful and insightful post with us. So sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to the family and friends of these two young people.

It is so true, I really agree that although it's important to be with our loved ones this time of year, sometimes it just isn't worth the commute.
I'm sorry for your loss, and thanks for the reminder to keep it in perspective!

What a loss! Each day truly is a gift.

I totally believe you that you're not looking for sympathy, but please know that I am so sorry and saddened to hear about your friend and his would have been wife. Its tragic. My heart goes out to their families!! I lost my dad in early Dec 3 years ago. It is SO hard to lose someone at all, and a Christmas time it makes it that much more obvious that they're gone.

Thank you for the reminder. I sure can use it. Laundry is NOT important in the grand scheme of things....loving my babies IS!!

I have been feeling the same way lately. I watched last week's episode of Jon & Kate & they visited St Jude's. It was gut wrenching. I sobbed the whole way through & realized how blessed I am. There is always someone who has it worse than you. My heart has been breaking this past week for people who are so much less fortunate than I am. It makes you want to change the world, but frustrates you because you can only do a little at a time.

Rock, I am very sorry for your loss. It's so sad when young people die & especially when they are just about to start an amazing life together. I'm praying that God comforts you during this time.