Ruth Ayres invites us the celebrate each week. Click over to her site Discover. Play. Build. to read more celebrations.
“The sisters” My daughters and me.
The hardest time to celebrate is during tragedy. But it is probably the most important time to do just that. Count your blessings. Hug the ones you love. Live more fully.
There is a tragic disease running through our country, random gun violence. Violence has invaded my community. Lafayette is a mere 25 miles down Highway 90 from New Iberia. We go there often for dinner, for shopping, and to go to the movies. In fact on Thursday night, my daughter Maggie and I drove to Lafayette to visit one of her friends who has a new baby. We did a little shopping. We drove by the theater around 7:15 PM, but we didn’t know then that tragedy was happening there.
When my daughter wants to go out with me, I jump at the chance. She’s 30 and has her own life. Spending time with her is precious. Today I celebrate that we got our toes done, a matching peachy orange. I celebrate that we oohed and ahhhed over baby Camille. I celebrate that we loved and laughed and had a girls’ night out.
Two local teachers were out for a girls’ night out. Theirs turned evil and bloody. They were heroes. They saved lives. Here is the story.
Jillian Johnson was not so lucky. She did not survive. She is remembered for her contribution to our community. In an article by Christiaan Mader, a close friend of Maggie, he described who Jillian was.
She was a commanding presence as a performer and a human being, smoke-voiced as a singer and sarcastic in her swollen drawl that gave conversation with her an air of sharp gentility. She was prone to pronouncement, ably confident, audacious with a ukulele, provocative, unafraid, kind in measures of deserving and fearless in calling your bullshit. She spun yarns and made friends as easily as she sloganeered. She was a turn-of-the-century Louisiana politician reincarnated. She could have kept a chicken in every pot if she set her mind to it. A wry grin contains genius within its limits, and Jillian’s grin was the wryest. (Read the whole article here.)
Shortly after the news broke, I received a text from my friend Jen. A simple message of love. Jen has suffered the tragic loss of both a husband and a son. This was her message: “I know too well how life can change in an instant. Always wanting to tell everyone I love how very much I love them & appreciate their presence in my life. I hope you know how much you (and Jeff) are loved and valued! Have a beautiful day! We each are only guarenteed this very moment.”
Take this moment and receive the joy of Jillian playing with her band “The Figs.” And then take the next moment to tell someone you love them.
Thank you for this important reminder. So much truth here. We only have this moment…
Margaret, You have been in my thoughts and prayers for the past few days. I’m overwhelmed with sadness at the shooting in LA and I’m so grateful that you are safe. I love how you found the strength to celebrate in the midst of these scary moments. Inspired by your friend Jen’s motivation, let me tell you that you are a wonderful teacher with a beautiful spirit and you inspire me so much!! I’m so grateful to call you a friend! Sending HUGS from Virginia!!!
Right after listening to the song on youtube, I told Reese that I loved him — and he said, “You sure didn’t marry me for money.”
I’m so saddened by this again, and now so close to you, Margaret. Each day is a blessing and I never take them for granted. Hugs to you and your family. I’m glad you had your special day with Maggie. (Love that picture!)
Margaret,
I am so sorry for all the suffering, sadness and ugliness in the world. I clicked on all the links and found more youtube of The Figs. The piece about Jillian by your daughter’s friend was incredibly moving and beautifully written. She was a force of nature that woman. Bringing so much good in the world. Like so many others. Thank you for telling us about the teachers. This kind of news does not get “the play” it deserves sometimes. But your reminder to love, to share that love and to celebrate in the midst of tragic times is important, too. Senseless and brutal has to be recognized and make us wiser and more grateful for our moments. I am so glad I got to read your post today even though it makes me sad and sober right now. In a while I will celebrate. Gone too soon. I want to share this on FB and hope it is ok with you.
You may share. I think it’s important for us to value life and honor love. How else can we fight this meaningless act?
Thank you, Margaret. It is on FB now though we share a bunch of friends, I wanted me “other” circles, small though they may be, to see this. I am shaking my head…..senselessness and yet there is so much joy and love and thank God for that.
It’s during the dark times that we need moments of fun, family and celebration more. I’m glad we’re able to share our light with others.
Wow. All of these shootings are just our of my realm of understanding. So, so upsetting. Tragic disease indeed. Keep those beautiful girls of yours close.
Sorry – was supposed to say “out of” not “our of” Was a little teary reading this
Thank you for the reminder Margaret…to be in the moment and cherish those you love by letting them know! Thinking of you and praying for those who’ve lost in this tragic moment.
Oh Margaret, I had no idea how this hit so close to home. But you are so right – count your blessings, hug the ones you love and live more fully. Thank you for the reminder to make each moment count.
That was ever so sad. I’m glad you are okay, It must be hard not to think about.
Margaret,
I heard this news but didn’t realize it was so very, very close to you. The minute I saw the title of this post, it all came together. I am so thankful you and yours are safe, yet so devastating this tragedy so close. So close to us all, as your friend Jen makes so clear.
Wednesday, an athlete friend of mine, a lifeguard, and health nut died of a heart attack at age 60, tragic yet beyond our control. Why we don’t take steps as a nation to take control of controllable tragedies is beyond me.
I celebrate you as you wisely hold on and celebrate those beautiful moments with your lovely girls.
Peace and love to you.
We found out an older couple who are very active in my daughters’ former school were injured. So close. The repurcutions are yet to be revealed. This will change us. Hopefully for the better.
So sorry about your friend. 60 is too young.
I’m so sorry. Heart wrenching.
I immediately thought of you, Margaret, when I heard about the shootings. So sad to read the tributes you shared. It is important to celebrate even in the midst of tragedy. Love the pic of you and your girls!
Margaret, your post touches a cord with me. I am so glad that you and your daughter are safe. Tragedy strikes everywhere and it is becoming a headline event. One horrible accident on Long Island happened recently. A car rammed into a limo full of a bridal party going out the wineries on the east end of Long Island. The bride and 3 others were killed. Life is so fragile and uncertain. I posted for DigiLit Sunday and Celebrate in one blog.
This is beautiful, Margaret. Thank you for these important reminders: “Count your blessings. Hug the ones you love. Live more fully.” Off to Brooklyn today to do just that. Hugs to you, my friend.