now only the good die young stops me in my tracks

2009 has begun with a sadness that seems almost unbearable at times. mine is incomparable to maggie's though. i am at a loss for words of comfort.

i've been thinking about new year's resolutions--realizing that i shouldn't just be thinking of life improvement at the first of each year. that's pathetic actually. i've thought about a few though. my goals for this year include being a better friend even when i don't feel i'm needed. taking better care of my relationships--tending to them is my top priority. staying close to my family, making sure they know how much i love and admire them for the wisdom, discipline, insight, and security they provide me. i'm going to appreciate my life every single day and appreciate all the gifts each day has to offer me. most of all, i'm going to slow down. i'm going to enjoy every little gift i have been given. i am going to love. i'm going to love with all my being. whole-hearted. and i'm going to realize that there's no guarantee of the next minute of life, let alone another day or month or year. and i'm not going to remember that only because it's the first of the year or because another loved one has been taken from me.

i don't have the ability to change the course that carries the ones i love away from me, but i can cherish every single moment with them. and that's what i will set out to do in 2009.

love hard. live well. cherish every moment.

ricky ernst, you will be forever missed. only the good die young.





sweeter dreams.
k