Remembering What Matters

I almost got into a fight last night. As crazy as it may seem, I remember the last time-to the date (because of my ridiculous memory)-I took a swing at someone. I was sixteen & the opponent was one of my best friends. Just before tennis practice there was a quick game of basketball. It got heated; he ripped the 311 t-shirt I wore, a squabble ensued & coach had to pull us apart.

Testosterone was involved. This time so was alcohol. Both blinded me for a bit. We can all get caught up in the heat of the moment and it's easy to forget what matters. I mean, what truly matters in life. The key word for me here is forget; as in, I once knew. I still know (thank God), I just have to remind myself. That's why I wanted to share this email I sent to my sister the day after her birthday. It's helped me remember. If you're in need, hopefully it will jog your memory too:


Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:15:32 -0700
From: ---------------
To: ----------------
Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!!


I'm sorry I didn't send this sooner; there's been so much going on and I didn't set aside enough time to get in touch with you. But I didn't forget, please don't think I did.

Time...what can I say, one of the most constant things I know: always moving forward, yet we easily forget it's speed because of life's daily distractions. God, to think, the sun is burning energy, the moon is slipping further from the earth, the universe is expanding. All this is happening right now, yet all we are blinded by is bills, high gas prices, where I misplaced my phone last night or the latest pair of sneaks I have to get. Yeah, it's easy to lose focus & forget how our time should be spent because we too easily set sight with short perspective. That's not how life should be lived. I'm barely learning now that there's no time for fear; for hesitation to go after what you want, or even for waiting too long to let someone know you love them. At least I'm learning.

There is no time not to be you, every moment of every day. This is something I am practicing and trying not to forget. Making music and playing music have helped show me how, and so have you. I love you so much, not just because you are my sister, but most of all because you are you.

God Bless You.