This last week, I heard of 7 deaths. Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett were two of the deaths. The other 5 were people I knew or in my community. It drove home a point for me. As someone who listens to people's pain and inner thoughts and feelings, I realized something. The impact one person can have on many people is staggering. Many people are in this world, but never forget, you may be the world to one person. Who that person is may not be obvious, but the significance is still there and counts. So while I wish Happy Birthday to America on July 4th, I wish a sad good bye for now to the ones who left us this week. May you find peace and know you are not forgotten.
I also noted that those who had a strong perspective on life, death and their relationship to God or spirit dealt with the loss differently. They had answers to painful questions due to their searching for meaning prior to this event. People who do not give time to think about how they feel about these issues are at a loss when a tragedy strikes and often they find where they really stand on issues in the moment.  That takes some adjusting to as well. So you get used to the loss of a loved one and  the new rules you have for yourself and your life.