This weekend, I find myself reflecting deeply as three very dear human beings in my life celebrate their birthdays. Birthdays are often times of joy, reflection, and celebration. However, for me, this particular weekend was met with both gratitude and bittersweet emotions.
Celebrating One Earthly Birthday (thankfully)
Among the three, one cherished person is my dear friend, who is thankfully still with us and celebrating another year of life. Her birthday is a poignant reminder of the precious gift of time and our irreplaceable moments together. She is not happy about getting old (who is?) but she is still around. That is a great thing to celebrate. My friend lost her mother when she (her mother) was about 60 years old. That loss forever changed her life. Her strength and resilience inspire me and make me deeply grateful for her presence in my life.
Remembering Two Heavenly Birthdays
The other two cherished beings are, unfortunately, now celebrating their birthdays in the heavens above. Their absence leaves a profound void in my heart, making these anniversaries particularly poignant. While their physical presence is no longer with us, their spirits continue to illuminate my life, guiding me with their love and memories.
My mother was a beautiful, loving soul who always put others first. The world was a much better, more beautiful, and brighter place with her in it. I miss her deeply. My Mom, unfortunately, passed away prematurely.
My mother-in-law was a wonderful woman as well. She experienced her own ups and downs in life, and I dearly miss our conversations and the wisdom we shared.
My Heart is Sad & Crying
The convergence of these birthdays brings a wave of deep emotions, leaving my heart crying with a mix of sorrow and gratitude. Sorrow for the losses that carve an ache in my soul, for the conversations that remain unfinished, things left undone, and the loving embrace that I can no longer share.
Gratitude for the precious moments we had, the lessons learned, and the love that transcends beyond the boundaries of life and death.
Life is Short
Birthdays are stark reminders that life is fleeting. The passage of time is relentless, a constant reminder that our days on this Mother Earth are numbered. This realization urges me to live more fully and to cherish the moments we often overlook.
Enjoy Those That Mean a Lot to You While You Can
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget to appreciate the people who mean the most to us. These precious human beings—family, friends, and loved ones—often become background characters in the story of our lives. Yet, they are the ones who fill our chapters with immeasurable joy, unconditional love, and profound meaning.
Make Time Today
Take a moment today to reach out to those who hold a special place in your heart. A call, a visit, or even a heartfelt message can weave the threads of connection, strengthening the fabric of our relationships. It doesn’t take much to show you care, but the impact can be vast and deeply felt.
Connect
Connection is at the heart of human existence. It nurtures our souls and builds bridges between hearts. When we connect with those we love, we share pieces of ourselves, enrich our lives, and find solace even in the midst of sorrow.
Tomorrow is Not Promised
The uncertainty of life is something we cannot escape. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, which makes today all the more precious. Embrace the opportunity to love deeply, live fully, and appreciate the present moment. Honor those who are still with you and cherish the memories of those who have left.
Live your life with intention, love, and gratitude. Stop. Breathe. Appreciate. Take a moment to truly cherish the people who make your life worth living.
Jasminka Vukanovic-Criley MD, FACP, FHM is a multiple award-winning physician, from cancer researcher, internal medicine physician, and Medical School Associate Clinical Professor to entrepreneur. She has mentored many undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students and faculty. She is the Principal Investigator on studies from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education creating research-driven #edtech games and digital media to improve health, civics, science education, and healthy habits. Dr Criley is also a founding Board member of Physician’s Weekly. She can be reached on X at @criley_md and at www.linkedin.com/in/jasminka-criley-md