I’m thankful this week for some small moments, like beautiful sunrises, the fact that the sun is still out when I leave work, for silly conversations, book club meetings, spontaneous get togethers, and puppy cuddles.

I was also reminded this week what it means to live large. One of my college professors passed away this week, and I went to his celebration of life. When I got there, it was mostly family who were sharing stories about Mark. It was so evident that they were a close family who shared years of close ties and many memorable experiences. He was a big personality who impacted me greatly in the couple of years I knew him. He was one of my coaches when I was on the speech team and I remember him vividly. Being at his memorial service reminded me that there is a difference between living and having a life. I’m not sure how to act on that right now, but I will.