The first few days after Rick's death were filled with sadness.
"I'll always remember the time...""He touched so many people's lives."
"He was so young."
"If only I'd returned his phone call that afternoon."
"I'm going to miss him."
After the funeral, other feelings began to emerge - apparently the result of people processing Rick's death while reflecting upon their own lives.
These feelings were expressed in actions and in words:
- A couple that had been putting off getting married was now beginning to make plans: "It makes you realize just how short life is."
- Some parents were spending more quality time with their kids: "We need to do it while they're still young."
- Friends were spending more time together: "We need to set a date to get together."
Why does it take such a brutal reminder for people to see what's important in their lives?
We tend to define our lives by big events. We consider most of our time here on Earth as rather "routine," waiting to be interrupted by something dramatic or more exciting. It's as if we are powerless to change our daily grind until a happening rocks our world and provides an impetus and rationale to change our outlook and actions.
We need to be continually reminded that life takes place hour-by-hour and minute-by-minute. How we spend each part of each day is how we define ourselves and our relevance to others.
Rick died alone in his bed; he is now with his Lord. His death had a certain lasting effect on those who knew him because of the consistent, positive impact that his life made on us. His love for us, and ours for him, is what made his death so profound. Had it not been for all that he put into his life, his death would have been meaningless.
There are certain things we can all depend on:
- We are all going to die.
- Everything we own will be left to someone else.
- What we do with the time God has given us is the only thing - good or bad - that will outlast us.
When you read one of the "Moment of Silence" tributes that appear in this publication from time to time, you're informed about the high points of a doctor's life, and the contributions the doctor made to the profession. If you didn't know the doctor personally, the information tells you little of relevance.
What will be said about you, and who will say it?
You can decide that today and every day by how you live.
Donald M. Petersen Jr.,BS, HCD (hc), FICC(h)
Editor / Publisher of Dynamic Chiropractic
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