Whether traveling to a literary event, ferreting information at a research location, or spending time at my writing desk, I record my findings in this online journal. Life has taken me in a direction I never wanted to go. An extended family member passed away suddenly. I’m still recovering from the shock.

When faced with someone else’s mortality, it’s not uncommon to reflect on your own. Every step of my life carries me closer to the day I will pass through the veil and into the world beyond, as I call the afterlife in Tales of Faeraven. 

Thinking about death inevitably leads into contemplating life. Most of us understand the concept of a bucket list of experiences we want to have in life. I have one of my own, and I’m sure I’ll take steps to accomplish it. However, life is about more than notching my belt with experiences. Relationships are important because people matter.  A Scripture says it best:

“If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18; World English Bible). 

The most important thing I learned from my relative’s death is that we’re not guaranteed the chance to make things right. I don’t know why this didn’t occur to me before, but sometimes time runs out before we can make peace with others. 

I’m asking myself questions. Do I owe someone an apology? Is there an offense I still need to forgive? Have I ignored a person I should have valued?  What changes do I need to make to better cherish the people I love? Is my  relationship with God where it should be? 

We’re all on a journey, and we know it. Sometimes we detour or become lost and have to backtrack.  While that’s disappointing, there are rewards to staying the course. 

Life might be all about the journey, but for me there is a destination. I want to be able to say that I lived well and left a legacy.

Thanks for reading. If you’d like to know what I’m working on now, catch my author and book news.