In a profoundly moving article, financial writer Jonathan Clements shared his thoughts on facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. His words serve as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing our limited time.
As I read his piece this morning, on what would have been our beautiful daughter Tracy’s 53rd birthday, I’m struck by how his message resonates with my own experiences of both joy and loss. Tracy passed away on December 20, 2022. Today, as we remember her birth 53 years ago, we are filled with a bittersweet mix of grief and gratitude. (See also this post on her birthday last year: A Very Special Day)
Tracy brought so much light into our lives – her laughter, her kindness, her unique way of seeing the world. We remember her childhood antics, her significant accomplishments as an adult, and the countless moments of joy she shared with our family and her friends.
Clements’ approach to his situation is both inspiring and thought-provoking. He chooses to focus on what truly matters: spending time with loved ones, pursuing meaningful work, and setting things in order for those he’ll leave behind. As we all should. His attitude encapsulates a profound truth: happiness is indeed a choice, even in the face of heartbreak.
For Clements, this means working on his website, spending quality time with family, and planning for the future. For me today, it means honoring our daughter’s memory by embracing the joy she brought into our lives and carrying forward her spirit of love and kindness.
Today, as we celebrate our daughter’s life and the immeasurable happiness she brought to our family, I’m reminded that choosing happiness is also a way of honoring those we’ve lost. It’s about carrying forward their love, their spirit, and the lessons they taught us.
Godspeed Tracy!