Gone Too Soon

Looking back I think we all consider loosing anyone younger than 70 as a matter of that person being "gone too soon". The fact of the matter is that the lost of a love one of any age hurts... like HELL!

Cancer is seriously a disease that if I could have one wish, I would wish to eradicate it from the planet. Forget ridding my life of student loan debt or purchasing a house. I'd wish no one would have to experience the effects of such a cruel and heartless disease. My pastor  at the church I grew up in would always say that death had no respect of person. This holds true for cancer. Two days after my birthday, I realized via numerous posts on Facebook and Instagram that the natural hair community had lost a young woman whom I've been familiar with via her and her sister's @MsVaughnTV posts and blogs from Chicago for years. Before I went natural, I was very into watching the millions of Youtube tutorials, blogs and so forth. Meechy Monroe was a seemingly beautiful soul who was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and lost her battle on June 27. I never met Meechy but unlike many others whom I've followed, Meechy's soul showed through her page and what others posted about her.

Her passing has been so heavy on my mind since I received word because like myself, Meechy is black, beautiful, natural and 32 years old. Here I am wishing I had celebrated my 32 years of life in a better way, while Meechy made 32 in April and was fighting for her life... Likely thanking God for more than I have for just 32 years of life. She likely wasn't worried about when she'd be worthy or child bearing or marriage, when she'd get her next raise at work, how big of a house she really needs to purchase, what car she wants to get next, what friends aren't friends any more, if her latest post on Instagram got enough likes, etc. My God... my prayers and thoughts go directly to her family. Her sister who lovingly and humbly speaks of her. To think that at my age and even younger, people are losing their lives to something they have no control over. If you've ever known someone with cancer then you would know that it seems like the worst form of breaking down a person mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, etc. We truly don't know the road that is set ahead of us... what cross we may have to bear. Meechy had to bear cancer... and while the end result seems so gloomy, she doesn't have to worry any more. She doesn't have to go through the aches and pains or contemplate when she will depart or question if her faith is strong enough or ask God "Why me?" She's in a better place and judging from all the fellow naturalistas who are posting about her, she made her imprint on the world. Meechy's passing really taught me in seconds to consciously reiterate what I already know. I need to be more thankful. I need to learn to let go of the small/petty things... remove my focus from the material things... focus on the spiritual things... love a little harder... be kinder... be gentler... be more positive... pray a little harder and a little longer... grow little more close to God... be a bit more patient... attempt to be a better listener... and cherish the NOW. I've made it to 32 years with good health, good strength and a productive life. That's a blessing because obviously the shoe could be on the other foot here. You never know what tomorrow holds. You can never prepare for it physically, but you have to pray for it spiritually. Pray that no matter what life throws your way, you don't waiver in your faith in God. I'm not perfect by no means, but I just want to get better with time. The best wines are said to be the ones that have gotten better with time, the best gumbo and red beans in my opinion are the second day ones or the ones your stored in the freezer for a few months. Time changes things... A life without progress isn't living at all... RIP Meechy Monroe 7/27/17