Friday put Thursday’s events into perspective.  Friday, I discovered that the world had lost a dear young man and I had lost a friend.  I received a call that my friend from the time I worked at my alma mater had been in a head-on collision and died instantly.  D.J. was one of those people that made you smile, no matter what was going on in his life or in your life.  He had one of those sly mischievous smiles that snuck slowly across his face.  He was one of the most genuine people I have ever met.  He had a magical way with children, he could meet them where they were, while still being a person they greatly respected.  He would have graduated with his teaching degree in August.  He was a man of faith and I rest in the fact that he is in a better place, but that doesn’t make me any less sad for the gift much of the world missed out on in his loss.  At his funeral today, many people smiled and laughed as we recounted the many random memories he left us with. 

Here’s a picture of one of mine…

D.J. is the one with cake hanging out of his mouth in the yellow shirt.  I was housesitting for our friend while he was on his honeymoon and we decided to play some practical jokes on them.  They had left wedding cake for us, so we were chowing down in between leaving them some surprises, like dixie cups filled halfway placed in domino fashion in their bathroom.  It was great fun.

So the events of this week have been completely put into perspective.  I had some rough times at work, but I am grateful to be alive and to be given more time to impact those around me.  I am also grateful for the many friends who have been placed in my life.  I am determined to make sure they know they are loved and to take full advantage of every breath I have left.

In my time of reflection, I was knitting.  I worked feverishly on Clapotis because I could knit that even with my distracted mind.  I have a whole new understanding of the therapeutic aspects of knitting.  I finished it on the way to the funeral earlier today and wore it there.  Jason teased me about having a new knit for every event.  🙂  I had him snap a couple of quick pictures this evening when we got home.  There wasn’t much light left, so they aren’t the greatest.  I may take some more for my finished objects gallery when it’s a bit brighter.  I had just a smidgen of yarn left over, and it’s just long enough to wrap comfortably around my shoulders.  All in all, it’s probably just right for a summer wrap.