Surrounded by Good List opportunities

7500 people daily- that is about how many people die each day in the US. How's that for a dark introduction? We forget this is happening everywhere and that thousands of others are pushing through their most devastating moments while possibly crossing our paths. And tomorrow, there will be thousands more.

I have seen many comments this week about the loss of a great athlete. The loss of a child. Frustration with the coverage because of the others also on the fateful flight. The fact is, if Kobe had not been in that helicopter, the others would have simply been among the 7500 for most of us. That is not what is happening. Instead, the world has paused to think of all on the flight. The world has paused to understand how their surviving friends and families will go on. The world has paused and possibly reflected on their own experiences as they know what these families have ahead of them. How they will always remember where they were when they got the call and very little after. Helping children pick out an outfit to wear to the service. How they will need to relearn daily life. How each day that goes on is one further from the life they loved living.

These consuming thoughts might cause them to miss that the light turned green while angry drivers honk. The phone call might come while they are simply trying to find just the right bananas in the produce section, while eyes roll because they are on the phone. The Mom in the bleachers might not seem social as she using all of her strength to hold it together on this first child performance without her partner. Or maybe a Dad is watching the teammates to honor his child is who is no longer there.

When somebody in our circle dies, we are reminded of all of these things. When a celebrity dies we are all reminded at the same time. That is powerful.  As we remember the families of those 9 people, we wish we could do something for them. Prayers, hugs, thoughts go pouring out. Remember, since that news broke, thousands more have perished and their friends and family are equally crushed........ and might be standing right in front of you right now.

You might be the first stranger they encounter in this new life. You might be the last they encounter in their old life and they don't even know that yet. Whether you are on the list of firsts or the list of lasts, be nice. Be on the good list.