Do All the Things!

Life lessons are often learned in unexpected ways, by those you least expect to teach the lessons.  For me, my son, Blake was my instructor.  In his death to taught me to do all the thing, and yes, I mean all the things, because “Life is but a vapor..”, here one moment and gone the next.

During Blakes short 26 years here on earth, he lived the life most imagine and aspire to but few reach.  He believed that if he could read about it, talk with someone on how to do it, watch a video on it… well then he could do it.  He learned and honed so many skills such as wood working, pencil drawing, blacksmithing, smoking meats, building Christmas displays, resorting family heirlooms, and so much more.

He learned all the things and then did all the things.

One of his best accomplishments was that during COVID, when he built decontamination chambers for the Newark Police Department out of a few supplies from the hardware store and a YouTube video.  I can remember him tinkering away designing how the decontamination chamber would function effectively to keep the officers safe.  It was so simple to him, find the problem, find the solution and make it happen.  To Blake nothing was impossible.

He was also all things to our family, he was my first born, the one that gave me to the title Mama.  He was also the first grandchild and nephew. He was a church youth leader, that leaned into the ones that we timid and shy. He the was the one you found at a party, playing cards and chatting it up with his cousins. He was the one you wanted on a trail ride because he could lead you down the path safely, protect you with his archery skills and cook you a meal at the end of the trail.

But most of us remember his as someone that cared deeply, hugged tightly , and lite up the room with his unmistakable laughter… Oh how we miss his laughter.

Life is exceptionally short. 

The lesson that our son taught was simple do all the things and do them now and to be all the things to all the people.  Do not wait for tomorrow, as it is not promise.  He Did all the things now.  He loved much, laughed often, and hugged tightly.

Here is to going All of The Things!