Remember you must die.

This past day has been a reminder of that for us all, hasn’t it? The tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna and those also on the helicopters that we are beginning to learn more about: friends, athletes, coaches, parents.

This morning on my daily doggo walk, I prayed for the souls of all those lost and experienced such a profound sense of loss and sadness. Not because I’m a huge Kobe Bryant fan….truth be told, I’m not all that familiar with him. I am learning he was a faithful Catholic and attended Mass the same morning he died. I am learning he made mistakes in his life but redeemed himself, his marriage and loved his family.

Isn’t that what we all desire–to have forgiveness when we fall short and to live our lives in love? But loss. What tragic loss of all those on the helicopter, let us remember them all in our prayers and for those they left behind.

Memento mori.

On this 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, let us remember those who perished a most heinous death and suffering in their last days and for those who tasted physical freedom but certainly carried the victims in their hearts and minds for all their remaining days.

Memento mori.

Let us remember our soldiers who died on Blackhawk helicopters and in service, defending our freedom. For those who continue to serve and for our veterans who carry mental burdens and pain we can’t pretend to understand.

Memento mori.

Let us remember the 600,000+ annually aborted babies. For those who never thought they had an option. For those who are haunted by their loss. For all who suffer the loss and pain of abortion on both sides of the clinic door.

Memento mori.

Let us remember those who fought valiantly in their struggle against cancer, for those who won and for those just beginning to fight.

Memento mori.

Let us remember:

• Those who came home from work to nap because they weren’t feeling well and never woke up.
• For the 3,000+ fatalities (Florida alone) that occur behind the wheel every year.
• For those who had time to plan their funerals, make amends and get their finances in order and for those who didn’t.

Memento mori.

Daily we are reminded. Daily let us live each day in love and gratitude toward others and ourselves, for we know not the hour or the day.

Memento mori.