Celebrating Lives

I've often heard it said that life isn't fair. You know what? Death isn't fair either.

Today I drove over to Minnesota to help celebrate the life of my cousin Dan (above). Someone who had been to Hell and back and was finally moving forward... then cancer. Stupid, unfair, devastatingly quick pancreatic cancer. He was only 55.

It's always interesting to realize we have so many circles of friends in our lives, based on age, schooling, sports, occupation, and geographic location. Plus our family on top of that. It was interesting today to hear stories of Dan from high school friends. That's the age I remember him best, too, because when you're young, you get together with cousins a lot because you go where you're parents go. And it was always fun visiting Viking fans , er family, in the Twin Cities.

So his friends remember this brainy and good-looking athlete – who really knew his WWII history. His current circle of friends spoke about this kind and generous man who was working hard to help others learn from his own mistakes and encourage them on their road to recovery. And in between those groups, we have family who have been through it all with him or not with him, but praying for him.

To a person, I could tell Dan touched their lives in some positive, memorable way. At the end of the day – or even at the end of a life – that is what matters. Do good. And be kind.

Special prayers for his mom – my aunt Barb who also had to say goodbye to her husband, Uncle Ray, just this past summer, for his lovely sisters and their families, and for his two grown boys, who have witnessed everything from heartache to hope then heartache again. Bless them all, Lord!

To end the day on a positive note, we had a get together to celebrate my Aunt Gwen's upcoming 90th birthday! Since Uncle Ray died last year, we are down to just three remaining siblings of my Dad. If you want to talk about celebrating life, Aunt Gwen definitely knows how to smile, laugh, and have a good time. A sweetheart!

Got to see Mom today, too. I don't know if I'll see her next month, so a shout and early happy 87th birthday to her, too!

You know who felt young? The twins! Suddenly 50 looks good on us. Ha.

It really was great to see my immediate family plus many cousins. It's always unfortunate when it's a funeral and not a wedding or reunion when we see each other. But still, a hug is a hug. And Hedbergs give darn good ones!

God bless you all!