It's times like these....

There are some times when you just have to stop and reflect about things that have happened in your life. For me, this is one of them.

A very dear friend of my mom and dad, Mr. Rudy Vega, passed away last night, after a long, hard battle with cancer. We knew it was going to happen, as he had been in and out of ICU for the last month or so, but for some reason, it doesn't make anything any easier. First of all, I want to comment on how strong of a person he was. He made it through a round of chemotherapy, which is extremely difficult. I've never been there, but from what I have heard and learned, it is a very painful and long therapy. My parents went up to Albuquerque a couple of weeks ago after his wife called them to let them know he wasn't doing well. From what my mom said, he wasn't in any pain, and his two kids and wife were doing as well as can be expected. My mom said that although he didn't seem to know who was and wasn't there due to his medications, she felt a special connection with him right before they left through a special gesture he gave. There is no doubt in my mind that he knew my parents were there and that they love him very, very much.

I am very grateful that I got to see Rudy, as well as his family, at our wedding. They made the trip down to El Paso to be there for my parents and I, which was very special. I remember all of the times (probably in the thousands) we would go over to their house when they were in El Paso, and just hang out. The adults would drink and be merry downstairs, and us kids would play upstairs. There wasn't a single, not a single time, he didn't greet me or anybody else with one of his big bear hugs and warm smiles. He was just so happy, and it was contagious. He was an amazing friend to my parents, and I am very grateful for that as well.

Because of my faith, I do know that everything happens for a reason, so I have learned to not question why things happen. My first instinct is to ask why he was taken at such a young age and why such a good man would have such a horrible disease, but I know that is something I will never know. He fought as hard as he could against such an awful disease. I am not going to say that he lost the fight. He left peacefully and pain-free and with his beautiful kids, wife, and family by his side.

Although I am very sad, for his family, my parents, and myself, I choose to instead be very grateful that my family did get to have him in our lives. I am very grateful that he knew how much he was loved, and that those who love him had the chance to say good-bye.

It's times like these that remind us that we need to be grateful for each day that we have. We have show those we love how much we love them and that we appreciate them every single day and that they are special every single day.

I will miss you Mr. Vega. We will miss you Mr. Vega. I can only hope you are healthy, happy, and know without a doubt how much you are loved.

Dragon tales and the "water is wide"
Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

The rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon, will find the mouse
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "Amen," wherever we are
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed
Sweet dreams
~Godspeed (Sweet Dreams), Dixie Chicks