There is no shortage of tragedies around us . Watching the news or having something affect your life, in one form or another, should put your life in perspective. And so that is what happened almost a week ago tomorrow.

Our son-in-law, lost a dear and close friend in a fire. It left all of us in shock. He was someone’s son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew and best friend. My daughter graduated with him from high school. My son-in-law and he were friends for years. They played sports together, talked and texted on a regular basis, and hung out socially. As a matter of fact, the last time they would spend together, would be at a birthday party for my daughter’s husband, at their home, just hours before he would lose his life.

Last Sunday was a tough day for everyone, especially for our son-in-law. His life has changed forever. The loss for him put our lives into perspective, even if just a bit more than in other tragedies. He is also young, as was his friend. Many out there think that today’s young adults are stronger with little emotion and feeling for certain situations. That is as ridiculous as it sounds. Tragedies, and pain and despair, know no age. Losing someone who has been there for a big part of your life, effects everyone.

Tonight my husband and I will attend a viewing for this young man. We didn’t know him  personally, but our children need us there to support them. Our son-in-law needs us to be there, for him. As does our daughter, who is there for her husband, but can’t feel his pain. She needs to know that we are here for both of them.

This entire week has made me reflect on how I react to petty and stupid things on occasion. My perspective always changes, especially when I see others who are suffering from certain misfortunes or tragedies in life. I think about the positive things in my life. Things can always be better, be they can surely be a lot worse.

So maybe it’s time to stop worrying about things we have no control over. The weather will do what it wants, and traffic is what it is. People will behave the way they think is the norm for them, and not care what we think. And with time, one heals from tragedies like this one, but never forgets. But hopefully, it will make them see how fortunate they are compared to others, and want to live life in a positive and loving way.