Have you seen me?

Like every other day, I paid my mailbox a visit. On a regular day, it takes me no more than a minute to review them and proceed to my destination. But today, unlike other days, something stood out.

I received the regular dose of junk mail which usually ends up in the trash. But today, for some reason, before I tossed it out I decided to flip it around and there it was in big bold letters: “HAVE YOU SEEN ME?” In a very tiny section below the junk mail, a loved one was advertising their lost daughter.

I froze.

The world around me paused.

While you may have never lost a loved one before I want you to: try and think of the pain and strength it takes to publicly advertise a loved one. Think of how many residents like myself that usually toss their junk mail out before getting the chance to flip the back. Think of the amount of people that goes missing without ever returning home, or even worse, returns as a cold corpse. Think of those that went missing, but family members have no financial budget to advertise. Think of the horror of receiving a phone call saying your loved one has be found…dead. Can you imagine? Can you?

So many thoughts went through my head, but the most prominent one was “this could be me.” It could have easily been my loved ones, it could have been my friends, my colleagues, my family, and etc.

This life we live is so precious and fragile. Cherish and appreciate those you love that love you. Make amends with that friend, forgive that family member that wronged you, let go of the grudges and hurt, and make peace with yourself. Because at any given unknown moment they could all be taken away from you—even worse—you could be taken away from them.

That I leave my home and return back safely is a privilege I was deeply reminded of today because that face could have been mine. With so many negativity roaming the world today, returning back home each day is a blessing I strive to never take for granted. Ever.

#theSunshinethagain.