Just a simple thing filled with much complexity.
We live in pursuit of becoming whomever it is that we're meant to be, and we set goals in order to progress to another level. These are called our dreams.
Some of us know our calling from the time we can think, others of us discover our calling through processes and exeriences of hardships, and losses. Some of us never even get the chance... Or maybe we do, but we just wait too long to bless others with our gifts. Our lifespan is unknown, so we must make the best of each and every day. Through recent loss of my friend today, I believe that my calling is to connect and communicate with people to serve them in love through inspiration. This is the purpose of this blog...
Today's Story:
Through several series of events seemingly unrelatable (but all too connected), I have been affirmed of my purpose and calling. That is, to inspire and to love on people. In the last 24 hours, two of my close friends have lost their dearest friends, and I have also lost my friend.
Through heartache, I have realized the innate confusion of death and desire for love. Every single one of us desires to know our purpose. When death strikes, the question of reality, afterlife, and purpose resignates. As we grieve, we realize that not only is life a process, but so is death.
In experiencing these two deaths I have closer bonded with the best friends of these two young men whom are my friends that I absolutely love. TO (who you read about in my last blog), lost his battle to cancer today. The other young man, 30 years old also, was murdered in his home. Both tragic and piercing to the core. I have seen first hand the toll it's taken on the best friends of these men - my friends. In a desperate yearning to be there and take away some pain, it has been made clear to me that we are all interconnected for a greater purpose.
As humans, we have a strong desire for connections with others, and usually experience our strongest connections in the roughest of times. When we connect we learn the dreams of others and are able to develop a passion to carry on their name and legacy. Through loss comes a burning desire fueled by pain to "do something".
The point? Your life matters. Every connection you welcome, every time you outwardly communicate a goal, every attempt toward success, every person you reach out to, everything that you give back - it all matters. BUT there is more than that. Just because you are pursuing your dreams and work toward a goal does not mean that you're living. To live doesn't mean that you're alive.
What are your connections? Your experiences? What are you going to do with them? Don't sit around "bored" with your life. And, do not sit around wasting your health! If you are healthy it is a gift. My friend T.O. fought every day for years to regain health. Do not waste your body with poisons, toxins and addictions. Whether it's food or drugs or alcohol. Take care of yourself the best you can. Your body is a temple. There is someone fighting for their life right now wishing they had the opportunity that you have to get out and make a difference. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally in the lives of others.
There are people losing their battles. DEATH - something we have not experienced so it is scary. Not only is it scary, but it is also certain. At some point, we will all experience it. My friend TO did today, and his connection with everyone who knew him was so strong, that a little bit of each person died with him too... I see a burning fire that is ready to explode and help others suffering. All suffering are about to find a way to keep his legacy alive & spread his life message. He made sure his life meant something to others. It certainly meant something to me.
T.O. had the ability to connect with others he barely knew to help leave a positive impact in their lives. He benefited nothing from this except that it was just in his nature to care for others. Even while he was the one struggling, he offered care and support to others needing encouragement. To me, he offered not only kind words, love and support, but also connections with others. The loss of him today is bittersweet. His physical suffering is now over, and his spirit is free. Yet, the ones who loved him will miss him very dearly. While we do not understand the purpose behind his death at a young age, we do understand his message. I speak for myself, and all of his friends and family that will be using his legacy to make a difference for others suffering. When lived right, one life affects many.
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough!"
- Eric Thomas (aka ET the Hip Hop Preacher)
Do not wait. Live your life as if it means something, and take your connections seriously. Reach out in love and be there for those who need it. MAKE YOUR LIFE COUNT.
Follow Up / Action
TO's website to give is still active to support his family with outstanding medical bills. Please share and give as your heart is convicted of. I also ask that you continue prayer for his family.
Direct Links:
Edgar Ter-Oganessian "T.O." - Gone but not Forgotten (GIVE FORWARD)
T.0. Video Clip: Using Social Media to Pay Medical Bills
Former FSU Lineman Battles Cancer
Two Former College Football Players Unite Through Shared Rare Cancer
Dying to Live: A Published Article on T.O. in Progressive Greek Magazine
FACEBOOK : Friends Against Cancer
"My life life might be cut short but, damn... I lived! And hot damn Im living! It's an art"
-Edgar Ter-Oganessian "T.O."
(as quoted by a close friend)
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