WWJD?

I’m used to starting off the year with flowery, uplifting prose about how we can tackle our dreams, and achieve anything we want over the coming year, but this year has been different. It started for me on a much different note than I’m used to, and has shifted my trajectory, to say the least. ​

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This January 1st was more somber than most. My Aunt had just transitioned, and although it was somewhat anticipated, nothing can ever truly prepare you to experience loss.  Each and every transition is different and unearths varied aspects of grief. 

Trying to work through all the questions that the mysteries of life and death brings is draining. The stream of “whys” was constant --- Why her? Why this? Why now? 

We all think our family is the best, but she actually was. She stepped in and made sure that i finished my education when I was about to give up and quit. She knew the value of education and wanted to make sure that i had the same opportunities.

She was wise. She was business-savvy. And she was always willing to help people out. She enjoyed living life more than anyone I know. In her last year, I could hardly keep up with all her worldly travels — Africa, Paris, Whistler! 

She lived more life in last year than most people do in an entire lifetime. 

In the Jewish faith, we have a saying when someone transitions that helps to remind us of the value of that individual’s life, "May their memory be a blessing". Of course, her memory will live on through her family, her generosity and all of the lives that she touched.

WWJD? Most people when they see this set of letters think of the acronym, “What would Jesus do?” Well, now, for me, it's turned into “What Would Jill Do?"

This year, I’m going to be diving in a bit deeper, looking a bit harder, and being more conscious with how I’m choosing to spend my time and energy, and I’ll be asking myself “WWJD?”.

She would ask more questions. 
She would help out. 
She would laugh. 
She would enjoy life. 
And, she would absolutely have another glass of wine.