"And I gotta do better." We all do, but somehow we let our petty problems interfere. ( Of course, right now, at this time many people’s problems are not so petty). Whenever tragic circumstances occur and jolt us out of our complacency we vow to change.   I think it’s easier as one gets older because then death is not too far away from the reality of days numbered. 

In the Times this morning Charles Isherwood in his piece on the legacy of the Redgraves, said: 

The freakish nature of Ms Richardson’s death has already inspired ghoulish tabloid commentary on the curses that seem to descend upon famous families in showbiz or politics . It’s absurd, of course. Not to get all Beckett on you, but life itself is a cursed thing, fated to end before all promise is fulfilled.

Nothing like a little uplift to get us going in the morning. 

Julia,

More often than not, it is the sudden tragedies in life that bring us up short, make us wonder, make us ponder life itself (in big letters).  .  .  how could be?  what is this all about?  We find we can shed tears for strangers .  .  . and sometimes, come to grips with the knowledge that any day, any time, this could be hitting home for us and our loved ones.

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, do we?  We know that lives can change forever in a flash… and no one, no one rich or poor is immune to what may lie around the next corner.  We swear that we are going to get our own lives in order - we must!  But as events fade a bit, procrastination seems to take over for all but the most organized of us, doesn’t it?  It DID seem like a good idea at the time, but even more disorganization and mess come in the process — and do we REALLY want to deal with that? 

But - to the point:  at some point in life - God knows when - but after yet another sadness that shouldn’t have been, I realized that I had to  put priorities to life.  .  . and they weren’t cleaning the attic.  Instead, every chance I got, it was to touch base with those people whose lives have touched mine.  Now that makes sense, hopefully brings joy, happiness, compassion - you name it, as each day is different - and you have given of yourself.  A phone call, an e-mail, a special gift sent for no reason at all - all of those say that you care.  If you can meet, the warm embrace may mean more than the entire lunch (though somehow for me, luncheon out with friends finds me at my laughing best, a bit outrageous - but who cares between friends).

Again, speaking for myself only, I do not ever want to be remembered for the cleanest, shiniest house around or people at the wake saying "WHAT a housekeeper she was!"  But instead, I have listened to my heart.  .   . and no matter how busy I am at my work or how late it is when the evening budget meeting is over, I find I am never too tired to listen to others (as often that is all that is needed), or touch base with one of my nearest and dearest.  There is nothing like ending a day on a high …  There is nothing like a life lived like there is no tomorrow!!!!  Joan

I never followed Natasha Richardsons career but that dosen’t mean I

don’t feel bad for her and her family.  I wish them my condolances

at this time of their grief

When I was young  I went to see Georgie girl That movie really hit home

with me.  Vanessa Redgrave is a legend  when I think of her and her

acting ability which puts her in class of her own.

in fact just last month I finally got to see Julia

Im so sorry for your lose I sent out the light for all of you.

And hope it hits the target.

                                                   Myr Nielsen

I’m learning continually to appreciate every moment we’re given on this earth. The older one gets one  learns to embrace  life with even more gusto! I want more years; prayerfully blessed with good health and a continued joyous spirit! We have our concerns but we must never allow them to dominate our lives! We will pull through! ……..I’ve decluttered my life ——-I’m free of a house full of things I do not use and I’ve rid my life of toxic relationships. I m  now living  a more  stress free and simplistic lifestyle! I feel as though a burden has been lifted from my shoulders! We have to learn to take care of and be more loving to ourselves!

My husband died unexpectedly of a heart attack twelve years ago.  He was 29, I was 27.  I have felt a great deal more empathy and sadness for Mr. Neeson than I normally do for people I don’t personally know, thinking back to those horrible first few days after Ian died, and knowing what he must be going through. That first morning, when I woke up there was a second where I didn’t remember, everything was exactly the same - and then reality came crashing back, I did remember, and I got up and ran to the bathroom and threw up.  It can so completely change the course of your life, no matter how hard you try to keep everything exactly the same, which I did for the first couple of years.

 Like L.C., I have been working on decluttering my life over the last few years.  Part of me wants to remarry and have kids (we had been trying for years when he died), but it took me so long to get past the grieving stage that I’m getting a little old for all that now. Okay, I’m turning 40 this year - maybe not THAT old, but it feels that way for starting a family. :-)  I’m just trying to work on other dreams for now - traveling for work, taking classes for photography and writing, etc.

Ms. Richardson and all of her family are in my prayers, and will be for some time.

I actually believe it is written when we are born, how we will live, and when and how we will die.  I’ve never been afraid of it.  I am trying my best to enjoy each day, unfortunately my health has not been so good lately, so I am taking it slow, which is not like me.

 My deep condolences to Ms. Richardson’s family.

When I heard of Ms Richardson’s death, I reacted as if I’d known her. I felt so bad for her family.  I’m the type person whose mood is directly affected by the weather. So on that day, and for several days after that the sun did not come out and I continued to feel sad.  I found myself wondering which is more tolerable? for a loved one to die suddenly, or, like my husband, who died four years after being diagnosed with cancer.  Sometimes I tell myself I had him for that long and should be glad, then I remember feeling that he was dying a bit at a time.  How can that be good? A loss is a loss.

I pray for the Richardson family.