Living and Loving
-
Kylie Garcia
There is a band that I listened to when I was younger called Superchick. I know the name sounds a little funny, but it was actually a great band with really insightful lyrics. If I’m being honest, there were really only two specific songs that I listened to on repeat, but their other songs were good too. One of these songs just really connected with me, and I find myself still listening to it years later and reflecting on its meaning, especially lately.
There have been a handful of events these past few years that have made me consider this song. One of those being when Cameron Boyce, a famous childactor from shows and movies such as Jessie and Descendants, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 20 years old. Boyce suffered from epilepsy and died in his sleep. Another event that brought the song to mind again was the passing of legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant, who, alongside his daughter and many others, passed away in a helicopter crash. Even local incidents have made me consider this song in the past year. I won’t go into details as to respect those involved, but from suicides to overdoses, many have been tragically taken away far too soon.
The song I mentioned earlier, titled “We Live”, talks a bit about these kinds of unexpected tragedies. The lyrics read:
But with life we never know
When we're coming up to the end of the road
So what do we do then
With tragedy around the bend?
We live we love
We forgive and never give up
'cause the days we are given are gifts from above
Today we remember to live and to love
This song, along with the memories it brings to mind, is a constant reminder that tomorrow is not promised. Today is a gift and we have to cherish every moment. We have to live each day like there is no tomorrow — and that doesn’t mean to live frivolously and start making bad decisions. It means to focus on what matters. To live a life that is meaningful. To love our friends and family members dearly. To let go of petty arguments. We must speak each word consciously as if it could be our last.
Some might think, “Well that’s a pretty morbid way to live,” but I don’t think so. I am not saying to worry and overthink every word, action, or thought. But I am saying to maybe think a little more than we normally do. Think and act with clarity and appreciation for today and the gift that it is.
The song ends by talking a little about the purpose tragedy can have, as hard as it is, if we allow it to:
Waking up to another dark morning
People are mourning
The weather in life outside is storming
But what would it take for the clouds to break
For us to realize each day is a gift somehow, someway
So get our heads up out of the darkness
And spark this new mindset and start to live life 'cause it ain't gone yet
And tragedy is a reminder to take off the blinders
And wake up and live the life we're supposed to take up
Moving forward with all our heads up 'cause life is worth living”
Well said.
God bless, Cibola!