well, i'm not really sure how or where to begin. the last 12 months have been the most challenging of my life. it all started last august when i witnessed a man take his own life by jumping from a building. obviously this would be a very traumatic event for anyone - the thought that someone is so hopeless and that they feel their only option is to leave this precious life was almost too much for me to handle.
in november, i picked up my entire life and moved to new york city - the most intense (and expensive) city in the country. it's been an amazing adventure but i'd be lying if i said that it's not stressful. everything takes so much energy. just thinking about going to the grocery store makes me tired. and of course, i miss my family and friends. between a break-up and the extreme weather, i'm getting some very tough skin being on this coast.
then in march, one of my dear friends from junior high/high school experienced something so heart breaking and unimaginable. i won't go into detail, as they are still living this nightmare. my prayer is that justice will prevail and everyone involved will be able to find some joy again.
in may, one of my co-workers lost her life at the hands of her guest on a company sponsored trip. while i didn't really know her other than by name - her death affected our entire organization.
and then came monday, august 1st, 2011 when i got a call that forever changed me. that was the day that the world lost an angel. andy collins was honestly one of the most amazing people i had ever met and he married the love of his life, my sweet friend brooke, only 10 days before his death. he was a man of faith, of integrity and grace...of humor, amazing athleticism and pride. and while my heart is broken for the loss of a friend, it breaks even more when i think of what his bride is going through. i just wish i could take away her pain. i wish she could see her andy again...and hold him. i know it will hurt less with every passing day, but i also know that i will keep andy (and brooke) close to my heart forever. i love you both very much and know we will all laugh together again one day.
Andrew Michael Collins
October 20th, 1983 - August 1st, 2011
read more about andy here.
it's hard not to look back at this year and wonder why? why so much stress, pain, suffering and tragedy? why do the people around me have to hurt so much? i won't trivialize it by saying 'everything happens for a reason.' i know i'm learning lessons in this lifetime and some that won't be revealed until the next. that doesn't mean i have to like it, but i know i will survive it with a little (or a lot) of help.
