Life can change in an instant

Everyone says it, "life can change in an instant" but you never really know what that truly means until it actually happens to you. I will never forget that day in May, the sound in my husbands voice telling me that his brother had been killed. I was at work, enjoying the company picnic that day and then I had gone to workout class. I had no idea what was going on until I saw a missed call and I called him back.

The rest of that week feels like a blur, even though I remeber everything so vividly. My bother in law was an amazing man and loved by many. Our family is devestated by this tragic loss. 

Our life now is consisting of a court hearings and a possible trial. Nothing I ever imagined we would be going through. Everything still seams so sureal. 

Even though it is hard at times, life needs to go on. There are now more good than bad, it seems like the bad comes in more moments than entire days. But we are trying to enjoy life. The kids finshed school, my oldest son graduated from High School, we still had birthday parties, and summer BBQ's.

We have taken more time to spend with family and friends. You really do realize what is important and that petty little things really don't matter because life can change in an instant. 

We recently celebrated what would have been his 47th birthday. It was a wonderful celebration of his life and we were surrounded by family and friends. 

The day had been dreary and rainy. I had planned to light off 47 purple lanterns in my brother in laws memory, we had invited tons of family and friends to help us celebrate. All day I just kept saying that it would be nice for our celebration, there was just no other option! 

In the afternoon, I was looking out my window and the grey cloudy sky, I decided to ask Terry to help us out and clear things up for his party. After I spoke to him, I had my back turned and within seconds, litterally seconds, I felt the warmth of the sun on my back. I slowly turned and could not believe my eyes. It was solid grey clouds and now a clearing right above my house and the sun was shining!

I went to the back door to take a photo, and this is what I captured. My brother in law was an avid fisherman, and once I saw the fish shaped cloud, I knew that he made this happen. I was in awe of this all afternoon I could not stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks. Moments later this was gone and the sky was grey once again. But later that night at his party, the skys cleared again and we were able to light the lanterns one at a time just as we had planned. 

We played "See you again" by Carrie Underwood. 

It was an emotional night for all of us, but very theraputic at the same time. 

We all miss him like crazy and it's hard to imagine life with out a son, a brother, an uncle and a friend. 

So when I tell you that life can change in an instant, trust me, life is too short. Don't wait, make the most of every day, with the people that mean the most to you. 

I made a video of our night, if you would like you can view it on YOU TUBE 47 Purple Lanterns