Lauren

When I was in college, one of my favorite business professors reminded us, "Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."

A few days ago, the news reported that a Corpus Christi woman was killed in a three-car collision.  The news was tragic, but I later learned that victim wasn't just a Corpus Christi woman.  She was a former co-worker and friend.

Lauren passed away at only 29 years of age.  Her death is especially sad and tragic, as it happened just after Christmas.  Her fiancee was driving in front of her at the time of the accident.

Lauren was engaged to be married.  She had recently become a professional engineer.  She had worked hard, and it had paid off.  Everything seemed to be coming together perfectly.

I've been thinking a lot about Lauren, although I hadn't seen her in a while.  I can't believe she's gone.  I don't understand what gives some of us the opportunity to experience a new year, while others of us don't get that chance.

2013 is a time for starting over.  It's a time for hope and reaching towards unmet goals. 

I know, that I, personally, took the new year for granted.  I assumed I'd be here and have the chance to try again, improve, and take on new things.  Not all of us were so fortunate.

The reality is that "now" is the only thing we're guaranteed.  If you've been meaning to do something, if you've been reassessing priorities, now is the time to take action.

I'm so sad that Lauren is gone.  My heart breaks for her fiancee, her family, and her loved ones.  I can't make sense of her tragedy.  I can only be reminded to give thanks for the new year and new start I and so many of us were given.

May God bless you and forever keep you, Lauren.