Thoughts on Life
See Every Little Thing for What it is
By Tiffany Beumer 

There are times in life when one comes to realize the meaning of “life is short, live every minute to the fullest.” 

I have been raised in a small family, I mean small. When a death occurs it seems to turn everything upside down. 

On my foot I have a tattoo that I can honestly say holds a piece of my heart. There is a dandelion blowing, as if a wish had just been sent to it. Along the side the words “to the moon and back” are present. “Flying” away from the dandelion are butterflies, blue is for the men who have died in my life, purple for the women, and blank butterflies for those who passed before I was born. 

You may wonder why this is even relevant. Well, my family and I are currently being “turned upside down.” I have a great aunt who is mentally handicapped. The reason I mention this is because if you knew her, you would know how very special she is. Lose your car in a parking lot? You better hope she is with you because she can tell you exactly where it is! 

She is a fast talker but if you listen you just may hear every bit of gossip going around town. She can tell you who flirts with who, and even the name of the lady behind the jewelry counter at Wal-Mart. I can’t begin to describe everything this woman is to everyone. 

After a weeklong hospital stay at the end of January, we have found that our aunt has pancreatic cancer. She has been given a short two to three months left to live out her life. 

Nobody knows how to handle the situation, all we know is to make it worthwhile. We will sit and listen to every story a thousand times and know that we need to cherish those moments. 

The point is… no matter how often somebody tells you that life is short, or live your life to the fullest… sometimes we take the little things for granted. I am writing to tell you to open your eyes and see every little thing for what it is, for one day those little things will be huge in your heart.