Beautiful Sadness
Life is amazing and crappy all at the same time.
The weather in Arizona has been simply amazing. Last year by about the middle of March it was eyelash singeing hot. This year? It’s almost May and we are still in the high-seventies, mid-eighties most days. The green that sprouted on the mountains (hahaha mountains. More like mole hills) has died, but all the trees and flowers and cacti are in bloom and, for the first time in four years, I think Arizona is a beautiful place to live.
In the middle of all this beauty there is sadness. I found out yesterday that the construction superintendent who built our home passed away suddenly last week of a massive heart attack. He was 43. He leaves behind a beautiful wife and twin boys who are only ten years old. I didn’t know him very well, but my interactions with him always left me with a smile. He was so sweet and caring. He was the head superintendent and didn’t work on many homes. We were always told how lucky we were that Chuck was our man. “He’s the best!” Everyone would say. He was the best. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this horrible time.
His passing was SO sudden and SO unexpected. It has really made me stop and thank God for my health and the health of those I love. It can all be over so fast.
While there might be much in this life to be sad about, I think there is much more to rejoice about. Today, I am more grateful than ever for an amazing, kind, loving husband. For a family who means more to me than I could ever say, who are there for me no matter what. For friends who have enriched my life, who make me laugh until I cry and who I know would do anything for me in the blink of an eye. I have truly been blessed. And I am truly grateful.
verybadcat wrote,
Those are some beautiful pictures. Sorry that they come with such bad news. Life just isn’t fair at all sometimes. Sure makes you grateful for what you have.
Link | April 22nd, 2008 at 4:33 am
VirtualSprite wrote,
I am so sorry. It’s hard sometimes to understand why some people are taken from us, especially when there are young children.
Link | April 22nd, 2008 at 9:53 am
distracted spunk wrote,
Arizona is absolutely beautiful. I loved it there. I hope to go back soon.
Link | April 22nd, 2008 at 9:58 am
sadira wrote,
It is quite beautiful this year isn’t it? I’m thinking maybe because of all the wet we received during our winter months…but, are you getting that strange haze down there? We’re all noticing it in a HUGE way up North, and it’s pretty uncharacteristic, and making my allergies go bonkers…
Link | April 22nd, 2008 at 10:41 am
katelin wrote,
Aw those pictures are beautiful and it is a lovely time of the year.
And it’s always so sad to hear of anyone passing, especially so suddenly.
Link | April 22nd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Z wrote,
Those pictures are gorgeous!
And I always hate to hear about people passing suddenly. While passing away at any time will be sad for those left behind, when it is unexpected and there is no time to prepare… That, I think, (at least for me) would be the worst.
Link | April 22nd, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Wholly Burble wrote,
So good to see your lovely pictures and hear that you’re finding your Arizona homeland beautiful this year.
It’s not something one can easily accept, when a fairly young person passes on, especially leaving his young family. I add my prayers to yours for their well being and peace of mind and heart as they make the adjustment to his loss.
Link | April 22nd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Jewels wrote,
Aw, I’m so sorry about Chuck. What an unfortunate thing. I will keep his family in my prayers! Arizona is beautiful - I loved spending that weekend with you, you know so much about it and it was so impressive to me that you are able to simply navigate your way around like it’s not big deal. It’s a lovely spot, even lovelier because you are in it!
And man, what a great post…now all my ideas of posting seem all shallow and trivial. Like my life. Sigh.
Link | April 22nd, 2008 at 10:22 pm