Christie Boyd

Learning to 'Live Life" despite loss

By: Christie Boyd

Posted: 1/26/10

I have a blog entitled Living Life. I sign all my e-mails, Living Life; it is also my motto on my Facebook profile.

When I was 49 years old, my brother, Terry, was dying from melanoma. We talked one day about what we would do with our lives if we had to live it over again.

I had a few regrets: not finishing high school with my class and a failed marriage.

I said I probably wouldn't change my life if I could because it has brought me a wonderful husband and a beautiful daughter.

I went back to school one fall. It was a hard thing to do.

Terry said, "Don't feel guilty about going to school. This is my life, not yours, go live your life."

I did feel guilty though, and one day right before he died, Terry said that the day I started college was one of the proudest days of his life.

He held on until I finished my first quarter in school, and I was able to spend his last days with him.

I decided when Terry died to live my life intentionally. Every day, I intentionally decide that that day is going to be lived fully.

I don't carry guilt around with me anymore. I try to accomplish something every day. Some days I succeed better than others.

I learned that I may fail at the things I try to accomplish, but I can always try again. I learned that going to school is one of the greatest privileges of my life.

I hope it's one of yours too. In the meantime you will find me, Living Life…