If Today Was Your Last Day

KelliBlog

SKYLARmyangel

 

I received a piece of mail for Skylar yesterday and at first didn’t think a whole lot about it, until I opened it. Here is how the first line read:

Dear Skylar L. Kooken, 

Life after high school. It’s approaching fast. And the burning question is: Where will you be this time next year?

Yea, this one stung quite a bit. I know I have written on this before but receiving this mail reminded me YET AGAIN that nothing is guaranteed in this life, except death. NONE of us expected to be sitting here, missing 3 beautiful girls…..even with the death of a child being my biggest fear in life, I still wasn’t prepared and honestly a year later and I am STILL in disbelief of my reality.

I continually see and hear of so much pettiness going on around me and all I can do is shake my head. So many of us are wasting time; minutes, hours, days and even years on things that do not matter in the end…..just simply don’t matter.

I hope it doesn’t take tragedy and heart-break like we have experienced for the majority to WAKE UP ….. but I’m afraid it will, for many at least.  Maybe my story and Skylar’s life can help just a few to see life for what it is for………Living. Living and loving while you can, while it’s in front of you. Living for now,and not in regret when it’s too late.

As I was getting ready this morning Nickelback came on my iPod (save the remarks, I actually like them) …. and the song hit me hard. Not sure I have even heard it since the accident.

“If Today Was Your Last Day”

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day’s a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life
What’s worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts ’cause there’s no second try
So live like you’ll never live it twice
Don’t take the free ride in your own life

Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreamin’ of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it’s never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
‘Cause you can’t rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin’ stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side

I think it’s helpful to have daily reminders that we only get one shot. Unfortunately for our families the absence of 3 beautiful souls is our daily painful reminder.
James 4:14 -Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
On another note I would like to give hope to those of you that are struggling with the loss of a loved one; if you haven’t felt them with you yet, be patient, have faith and open your heart and soul, and they will come to you. I have felt Skylar so many times and most recently on the morning of my birthday just 2 days ago. It seems mornings are my quiet alone time that I have found I speak most often to Sky, and as I sat there on my birthday thinking about her, a warm presence washed over me. I closed my eyes and I heard Sky say “mom, I’m here and I’m going to give you a hug”  Wow – my entire body became warm and tingly and I felt her arms wrap around me and I cried like a baby. I didn’t ever want to open my eyes again and I certainly didn’t want to move or for the moment to end.  So extremely bittersweet.
I would give ANYTHING for one more moment with my baby girl…… and yet I see tattered relationships everywhere between children and parents, husbands and wives, siblings, partners, friends…you name it.
All I have now are the memories and her legacy and I’ll be damned if anyone will take any of that from us.
This Sunday November 24th at Bellbrook High School there is an Angel Run/Walk (2 miles). For just $10 you can help support Skylar’s Scholarship Fund. 1:15 registration. 2pm walk/run.  If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate you can do so via PayPal:

4 thoughts on “If Today Was Your Last Day”

  2. Thank you for these reminders that life is short and not to let it pass us by.Just a another way for Skylar to keep living on through you and your profound message.May you find some peace in helping others see the good in life and all the ways to live it to the fullest.

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