Tabitha Lynn Calvert-Steele 1971-2008

I just wanted to give everyone an update on my childhood friend,Tabi. She passed away last night September 3, 2008 peacefully in her sleep. She was surrounded by close friends and family. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for her, please continue to pray for her family: Husband of 15 yrs(Jeff),Son 10 yrs(Jeffery), daughter 9 yrs (Brianna), her parents Cheryl and Tom Calvert, Her brother Tommy Calvert, and Her younger sisters Danielle and Brandy.

Tabitha fought a great fight in her battle with her kidney cancer. She stayed so strong for everyone. I spoke with her just last week and we laughed about the "old" times, and we cried too. She was a special friend to me and I will always hold a place for her in my heart. She fought long and hard in her battle with cancer, now she is dancing at the feet of her heavenly father, without pain, in glory forever.

I found it ironic to learn of my dear friends death last night, because at the same time, I also found out another friend went into labor with her fourth child. I sat there and thought while one of my women friend lost her life, another one was giving life. How one life was over and yet another life has only begun. It really puts into perspective how life continues, even in our grievance, it will go on. There is no stopping it, if only for one moment. But today, my life will stop, I will take more than a moment to spend time reflecting on Tabi and her life, remembering the past, and how her life made a difference to a lot of people.

This morning I woke up grumbling because well, because of nothing significant really, and then I checked my email and got the news about Tabi, and boy what a slap in the face that was, it was a reminder that every day that I breathe, and get to spend time with the ones I love, every moment I get to watch my children grow, is truly a gift. I need to stop trying to open it so fast, and slow down, and savor the beautiful packaging and peel away the wrapping paper delicately, because life is fleeting, and I have been taking it for granted.
Today, I am going to write down the small things that I want to start appreciating more, I am going to notice the butterflies that are in my back yard, I am going to listen to my children as they drone on about something I don't understand, I am going to hug and kiss Bob as soon as he walks in the door, and I am going to tell you, my readers, how much I love you, appreciate you, and that I am so happy you are a part of my life, whether for years or just recently, that you each make a difference in my life, you each add something to my day. Thank You for that.