2023 didn't get off to a good start for me. I lost my father after a two year battle with cancer. The night my brother called me was a moment I had been waiting for, dreading and thought I was mentally prepared for. I mean, I spent two years visualizing my life without my Dad. The problem was, I wasn't ready to actually accept it.
We spend our lives knowing that everyone won't be here forever. Yet, we remain stubborn in hopes that they do. I guess that's why losing a loved one hurts as much as it does. We mold our lives around people and when they're gone, you feel the void. However, we as humans are adaptive. Stubborn in a way. We know we have to reshape our lives not to replace them, but to carry on as they would want us to.
So, I carried on. Dad told me to not stop. We brought back the podcast and it brings happiness into my life. I love connecting with people and listening to their stories or what they love. It's motivating to hear that you aren't the only one that's stubborn enough to just keep going. However, life does like to throw a wrench in things.
A couple of weeks ago, I walked into my house from the gym and work. My dog, Zeus, would typically greet me at the door. This time, he was on the couch in his favorite spot. I said his name a couple of times and noticed he wasn't moving. My best friend of twelve years was gone. He went peacefully in his sleep.
My heart was broken because while we know he was old, this was sudden. He showed no signs of slowing down. My wife and I sat in silence for God knows how long, crying and realizing a whole lot of love had just left our home. We'll get another dog eventually, but that doesn't mean we'll forget about our Zeus. He was a major part of this family.
I say all of that to say this. This year has felt like nothing but loss for me. But, I analyze how stubborn I am because I just keep going. Yes, I sit and have me a good cry or walk until my head is clear. You can be stubborn without becoming calloused or numb to losses in life. It allows you to keep living your life while carrying the love and lessons that ones you lost gave you. Losing loved ones doesn't mean your life has to stop. You'd be doing them a disservice by stopping. Be stubborn. Keep moving.
Love your neighbor and talk to someone different than you. -Drake
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