~:[CH8 - Day 362]:~ The Love, The Loss

~:[CH8 - Day 362]:~ The Love, The Loss

Today distracted me from the sadness of the day. As I spent some quality time with friends who took me out, as we hit a number of spots. Our day didn't quite go as planned, but those types of days tend to be the best. While we may not get to see each other all the time, it's those special moments that you cherish the most and will remember long after your time together. This morning our family lost one of its members. To me, it was my aunt and to my mother, it was her sister. I remember back in 2004 when my team traveled to Hawaii for our first race at the Iolani Invitational, she took the time to make the team leis by hand. Not even knowing any of my athletes, she took the time to do something so special. She came back for various family events and we visited her every time we got the chance. My last opportunity was this past year February when I was headed back from Australia, I got to see her for a bit, as I had a layover in Honolulu. As far as she was, she was never distant from my mother, which is why her passing was even more difficult for our family. My mother would make it a point to call her daily and while she did it at a normally scheduled time, she would adjust it if there was a event going on that day. From reading scripture to just a quick hello, the love they shared was immeasurable and thus the loss, especially for my mother was immense. Just like today, it is those special memories we create that will live on. No matter how often they are created, they are stored in a special place in your heart, retrieved regularly, as they are something so special. My aunt was as kind and loving as they come and I will forever keep her in my heart and mind. Her love, her selflessness, and her amazing heart will live on in all of us forever. When you love someone, you create such a special bond with them, but in turn, when you lose them, many fill a void in their hearts that can be quite overwhelming. As while it will take time to heal, know that the void is never empty, but filled with those special memories and moments you shared which will be carried with you for the rest of your life.