Today is my oldest sister Leah’s birthday. She died in 2009, and I miss her. I wanted to post something in her honor today, but when I looked at my poetry about her, it was so raw, so painful. It just doesn’t feel right to share it yet. Maybe it never will.
So instead I’m sharing a blog post Leah wrote a week before she died. It is like a poem. And it is good.
—
20 days until 30
by Leah Kubik
Life has been very interesting lately.
Since I'm nearing 30 any day now, for posterity, I would like to make note of some things that I have learned so far. These are in random order, as they pop into my head, and are exceedingly dumb.
If you joke about doing something for too long in IRC, eventually, no matter how ridiculous it may seem, it will become reality.
Even if you have nothing left to lose, you still have something to give
It is better to laugh wryly at yourself, than to wallow in self-pity.
If you truly live a life of no regrets, eventually you'll lose your soul.
Listen to your fortune cookie: All thing has a cause, look into your pass for answers.
Life is what happens when you're doing something out of the ordinary.
Art is always better when it is for someone else.
Prayer never stops being important.
To err is human, to moo is bovine.
It is always darkest before it goes pitch black.
If work is annoying, burn down the office.
Music is vital.
A few close friends and family are worth more than any other distraction.
Being devious is more satisfying than being smart.
All you need is love.
That last one isn't entirely true.
Traveling is not optional.
If you're going to be crazy, you may as well revel in it.
Help other people, no one else will.
Fish are actually plants
—
I’d love to hear from you. I want to know what you think. Did you like this ? Did any part of it resonate with you? Let me know.
* stencil art by Michelle Fitzgerald; terrible spray paint job by me
So sorry about your sister, what a beautiful way to remember her.
I am so sorry about your sister. What a wise and witty woman she was. Sending you love, light and solace. Thank you for sharing her with us.