Are you one of those people who make a wish when you see 11:11 hit the clock? If so, I bet you have wished once or twice that you would win the lottery, I know I have.
Earlier this month in Sandusty, Ohio a woman named Deborah McDonald received the chance of a lifetime on a popular lottery TV show, Cash Explosion Double Play. Deborah had brought some luck with her that day as she did win. She didn't win the millions we all wish for but she did win $8,000 and was extremely happy with that amount.
Deborah had been married to the love of her life, Robert, both of course thrilled because of the win. Their first priority was to buy new wedding rings for each other. They always meant to purchase "nicer" rings when they had the money to do it, now they have it. How exciting it must be to finally get that little bit ahead and be able to purchase something your have been longing for over the years. One January 28th Deborah walked to the mailbox and pulled out her winning check. First thing first- off to buy their new wedding bands.
Now, who remembers that Alanis Morrissette song, "Ironic"? One of the verses of this song reads, "an old man-turned ninety eight; he won the lottery, and died the next day". This past week Deborah McDonald was celebrating her win with friends over dinner and drinks at a nearby bar where she met her fate that same night. Tragically, that's where I found the ironic twist to this story. She was walking home and was struck by a vehicle, she was declared dead on the scene. But wait- this woman wasn't ninety eight, she was only forty-seven. I don't think she was ready to go; she had just received her check for $8,000 a few hours ago but her fate was out of her hands.
You may be asking yourself, "Why do things like this happen?" I asked myself the same question, repeatedly. I am guessing it is one of life's most unanswerable questions. Here was a woman and her husband, celebrating with family and friends practically floating on cloud nine, and their dream had become a nightmare. Now, her loving husband, Robert is left with a very small token of her love, his new wedding band. This story truly stuck with me during this past week. I think the lesson that we all must learn from this tragedy is to count each day as a blessing. With all the hustle and bustle of today's lifestyle from work to school to home life- it's easy to get caught up in the messiness. Take a step back, enjoy your life with friends and family and most importantly seize the day.
Carpe Diem
Here is an interview with Robert McDonald and the late Deborah McDonald's closest friend, who was with her on her final night... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7UZLXMQrNU
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
When i first heard this story the word "faith" came to mind. It is unfortunate that it happened this way, but no one can escape death. It also reminded me of the story that happened in June of last year. When a woman was on vacation and she missed her Air France flight that crashed and killed everyone aboard. A couple days later while coming home from the trip she was killed as her car swerved into an oncoming truck. Everything does happen for a reason, we all have our time and place reserved for us.
ReplyDeletePeople get so caught up in their everyday lives that they forget to be grateful. Everything going on in peoples everyday lives consumes them and they fail to realize that all that could be taken away from them with a drop of a dime. Yes, it is true that we live each day like its our last, but just be grateful for it.
ReplyDelete