Life is Fragile- Love Yourself, Love Others

I have heard about things happening to other people. 

Bad things. Always to other people.

Never in my life did I think I would say, "My Nonna (grandma) was killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver," and have it be a true statement for me.

I had just moved back to New York to be closer to my family. There was  a family gathering for a birthday.  I hadn't seen  a lot of my extended family in months and it was nice to be reunited.
As I was surrounded by family and food and wine and love;
"This is why I moved home", I thought.

Nonna was quiet that day.  Toward the end of the night I started feeling anxious; I was starting my new job in New York City the next day.   Everyone was busy socializing at the party so I sat next to Nonna and hugged her for a really long time.  It helped, I felt calmer.

As the party was wrapping up, I said goodbye to Nonna, my aunts, uncles, and cousins. 
That's the last time I saw her.

My cousin and I received a phone call later that night.  My aunt and uncle badly injured. 
My Nonna-gone.
A drunk driver had crossed the median and hit them head on.
The rest is a blur.  Shock, disbelief, pain, grief.
After processing for a couple of months, talking about it, meditating and praying, I knew it was her time to go.  I knew that it happened for a reason.
 Though it is painful for us family still here, she is SOARING. 
She is peace
She is joy
She is light

With all of this said, I urge you:

Show the ones you love, that you love them

Love  yourself

Every moment counts

This is for you, Nonna.