We had a loss in the family recently...

We had a loss in the family recently - my MaMaw Langley's twin sister.  I wasn't very close to her, but as far as I know she lived a long and more or less happy and comfortable life.  And it got me thinking...

I bet a lot of you know me pretty well - even those of you I haven't met.  I'm a pretty open person who posts the good, the bad, and the ugly.  For any of my newer friends:  Yes, things have been pretty great since I graduated college at the end of 2020.  Before that, there was years of poverty, my house falling down around me, my body failing, depression and anxiety, and I was carrying the weight of the lack of animal rights/welfare in Alabama on my shoulders (though thankfully not alone).  I don't usually do throwback posts, but they are definitely there if you ever feel like searching.

I don't want to die yet, but I'm saying that IF it happens, please take comfort in knowing that I am loved, happy, and content.  I feel more safe and calm than I ever have in my life.  I'm socially (in a physical way) more isolated than I've ever been, but it has brought a much-needed peace to my life.  I have my husband and my kids and my non-human companions with me, and they are my inner circle.  I have given back to my community and reached educational and financial goals that I never dared to dream possible 10 years ago.  I (of course) have personal projects that I want to finish and more growth to do, but if I died today I would have no regrets.  I have loved and been loved.  I am taking care of those closest to me, and that's all I've ever wanted to do.

I guess I woke up this morning feeling grateful, (which is not unusual), but with the recent loss came a new perspective on how we view those who've passed.  When I die, please take solace in the fact that I am undeniably living my best life - and not only that, I fought damn hard to do it.  ❤