I have restarted typing this post about 10 different times. It has been a very emotional day for me and I am not sure how to get it out in words while blogging about my food and being respectful. I had a fun story to tell about my lunch, as well as a new product I had incorporated into my smoothie, but right now none of that seems important.
This afternoon I was honored to celebrate the life of a young man who lived life to the fullest. Jenna’s brother, John, was loved by many and my only regret is that I never had the chance to meet him myself. Today however I felt like I met him in spirit. His wonderful spirit for life lives on in the many memories his friends and family shared with me today. You did not need to meet John to know that he was one of a kind. He was taken from this earth much too soon.
Caitlin and I made the trip to Tampa to support our friend in this very trying time. The celebration was lovely and there was not a dry eye in the house. The whole time I kept thinking of my own family and how I wish to never go through this. Jenna is a strong one though and to be able to hug her, I knew she would survive this as a stronger, more passionate woman. My heart still aches for her family, but I know there is a wonderful support system there that can not be broken.
So instead of writing about my food, I leave you with some pictures and for the millionth time I ask you to hug you loved ones and let them know how much you care about them before its too late. Reminisce about old photos now, take that trip around the world, stop making excuses, live life to the fullest and have no regrets! You never know what tomorrow brings, so be sure to be ready for anything!
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Good job Meghann. It’s impossible to know how to handle this situation. It was wonderful that you were able to be there for Jenna today.
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Thanks for posting this. Your words sounded just right. I’m so glad Jenna has such supportive people around her right now.
That’s so awesome that you guys were able to go to that today! It’s definitely a reminder that life is short and we don’t know when it’s our time.
I lost my best friend 10 years ago, and it definitely changed my perspective on a lot of things.
great post meghann. i have def been thinking many of those things all day long as i was out on survey and wish i could have been able to be there to support jenna w/ you and caitlin.
live life for today, not tomorrow or yesterday…it’s what i tell myself every single morning.
The service was so beautiful. Can you believe those kids just pouring in, ready to share their love of John with Jenna and her family. It was so beautiful. I only met him once, but feel like I know him from all of the stories Jenna and I have shared. What a special boy, taken too soon.
So glad you guys came down. What great friends!
Wonderful post Meghann. Well said! I am sure Jenna was so thankful you were there to support her.
This post is amazing, Meghann, and I truly appreciate you posting it. I am so glad that you and Caitlin got to be there to support Jenna and her family today.
I’m sure Jenna really appreciated your support today. That’s really great that you went and wrote such a respectful post.
Wonderful post!
Hi! I am just stopping by to say hello and that I have been reading your blog for months now but never commented due to never have my own blog. But today I finally made one thanks to such inspiration from you and other bloggers to live healthier. This post was so nice and it is so great to hear how much support and love Jenna and her family has.
Great post — it was so great for you and Caitlin to be there for Jenna and to support her.
I’m glad you were able to make it to the memorial. I was thinking about Jenna and her family all day. You’re a good friend.
I’m sure seeing you there, gave Jenna the strength to make it through. I am thinking of you all, tonight
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Meghann, and for the very important reminder.
That is so wonderful that you were able to be with Jenna today. I am sure she appreciated your support so much. I’m not sure what your first 10 attempts at the post looked like, but this one was perfect!
You are such a wonderful friend and it is so nice to read that Jenna’s brother had such an incredible group of people there to celebrate his life today. I agree with Brooke – although I don’t know what your other drafts looked like, I think this post was beautifully written.
I’m so glad you could be there for Jenna, I think we all wish we could right now. Thanks for the reminder of how important everyday is- it’s so true
Great post! Wise words
Have a wonderful day.
How nice of you to go to Tampa to be with Jenna!
i definitely agree that life is too short and to make sure loved ones know just how much you care for them!
Very, very touching post. So glad that you could be there for Jenna.
And, keep reaching out for everything that you can; as you said, life it short.
Thanks again for a great, great post.
Beautiful post, Meaghann. Thank you!