My title is the actual name of a race not too far away that celebrates and raises funds for those going through cancer, as well as the survivors. I did it as part of a relay several years ago.
Why do the good die?
With the loss of Mr. Judy’s aunt not long ago, I found myself pondering this question. I know so many good people who have died so young. It seems so unfair. I believe in God, but it’s always a struggle to understand why a benevolent God would do such a thing.
Of course we need hardships in life to grow. Why make good people suffer? What’s the point? Why take people from their loved ones far too young? Children, even infants?
I don’t know why
It’s probably something I will never understand. I’ve been lucky in my life for the most part. All the grandparents I knew had long lives. Several of my uncles died around my current age, but we knew why: smoking. Obviously my parents have/had long lives, far longer than they ever thought they would live. I’m lucky to have my siblings, knock on wood.
I don’t think anyone can really come to grips with why people die before their time, especially when they suffer a great deal.
I do think we must celebrate the lives of the ones we have lost, especially the ones taken from us too soon. Celebrating their lives is a way to say they were here. They made a difference. The difference they made, by my celebration, will live on.
I believe that things happen for a reason. Often we don’t know until much later why such a hard thing happened to us; sometimes we never know. Believing in life, in purpose — and celebrating it; that’s what helps me through the hard times. — Chocolaterunsjudy
Final Thoughts
People suffering, people dying young . . . it seems so senseless. It is so senseless. Oddly it makes me believe in God, that there must be some sort of plan, but we’re never going to know what that plan is. I know for many people it’s proof that there is no God, because why would a benevolent God make children suffer? I always say which thought do you find most comforting?
I am celebrating my Dad’s life — his love of family, theater, dance, music, learning. I am celebrating Lola’s life — her boundless energy, her love of zoomies, her love of snuggling up between her humans at night, her “performances” for treats. I didn’t know Linda, Mr. Judy’s aunt well, but I am celebrating her life, too — she loved Mr. Judy’s uncle and cousins well, she was creative, and she was always happy to see us and welcoming.
Who are you celebrating?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Wow. What a sad topic. This brought tears to my eyes.
I celebrate this year two friends who died this year.
Both were active. One an amazing runner and triathlete. I met her through blogging. And we just clicked. I even stayed at her house in VT several times and ran at least 10 races with her. I think about her every time I am out running.
The other was a tennis player and I also played mah jongg with her weekly. I miss her and will even more when our mj group gathers and weekend tennis returns.
I also celebrate all those who are unable to run and do the activities they love due to sickness or injury.
Carpe Diem. Even in these scary times. You never know when your time is up.
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I’m sorry that it made you sad, obviously that wasn’t the intent. Celebrating was the intent.
No, no one knows when their time is up. Living life to the fullest is important; everyone has a different definition of what that means.
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I agree totally. Everyone lives differently. I’m happy that both of my friends did live life to the fullest. What bothers me is when people say “i wish I had” or “why didn’t I” or “I should have”. I think like NIKE “just do it.”
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I don’t understand suffering and death either, Judy. I don’t know that anyone does. I guess the title of the race and the title of your post says it all – we need to celebrate life while we can. I know this has been a tough year for you, especially with Lola and your dad. I think there is a saying something like “It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”. That’s what you’re doing when you encourage us to celebrate. Thanks for the candle, Judy!
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Aww, you’re welcome, laurie. There’s been a lot of loss around me this year. Some of it my own, some of it my friends. In general I’ve been very lucky, really — but still, it does get you thinking. Or me, anyway.
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losing my sister suddenly almost 3 years ago really forced me to question so many things. I don’t understand it and it’s something our family can never recover from. This past year has made it harder. It has made me celebrate the little things more and appreciate every day with my loved ones.
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I can’t even imagine going through that, Deborah, especially as I’m the baby of the family. Like I said, my mom did lose her brothers by my age. I really can’t imagine that!
Loss is never easy, but turning it into a celebration can sometimes help ease the pain just a little.
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❤ I'm celebrating my lost loved ones- my mom and dad, aunt, uncle, cousin, Greg's mom and many others. Not lost this year but I am feeling it more this year.
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I think a lot of us feel our losses more this year. 😦 Celebrating gives their lives even more meaning though, I think.
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I just had this conversation with my 15-year-old a couple of days ago. She was asking why God would let good people die, or babies, or why people should have to suffer sometimes for years before they die. Honestly, I didn’t have a good answer for her. It’s a really tough subject that none of us understand. The best I could tell her is the suffering helps us appreciate the good times even more.
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I do agree that the bad times help us to appreciate the good times more. That’s got to be really hard, to try to discuss things like that with your daughter, but she’s obviously a thoughtful, caring person.
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I have pondered this question often. When my grandmother died a friend gave me this book that explains the different type of grief when people die from different situations. It was an amazing book and I let a family friend who lost her husband borrow it. It was over 10 years ago and I never got the book back and it makes me sad. I have not seen this person in several years so I would feel awkward asking for it. To be honest I doubt she still has it.
Glad you are celebrating these lives lost. Is that a real picture of you with your dad? If so, it is so precious!
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You don’t remember the name of the book?
Yes, that is a real photo of me & my dad. He loved to swim — I got that from him, too — and days at a lake or vacations by the ocean — I think that photo was a vacation by the ocean — were frequent. Thanks, Meranda.
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