Life is Short –
a Vivid Reminder
Written by Liz Thompson/WriteOP
From an interview with Darrensgirl
Darren was 45 when he took his last breath. People at MSWorld chat knew his long-time girlfriend who he was going to marry, Darrensgirl. She let another chatter know of his death and her sadness. Thankfully he let me know so we had the chance to do a memorial story of his life, which ended at a young age.
Darren had known of his MS for a short time and was struggling with the major changes in his life and his body. Most of us can relate to the struggle of accepting and moving on. He had a hard time moving on. The cause of death will remain private as there are mixed emotions and opinion.
Here we are celebrating his life, which was rich in love.
His last year was difficult for everyone. Michaelle Watkins, aka Darrensgirl says. "He tried so hard to fit in. He ended up locked inside himself. He hated his physical limits. He was just a sad soul." His MS came on strong and was relentless to his body.
He was born in Portland, Oregon but lived out his later life in Ridgefield, Washington. This man loved working with his hands as a carpenter and loved horses working at his Mother's ranch. But, Michaelle says he never wanted to be called a cowboy!
She adds that since they went on their first date seven years ago, they had been "glued at the hip from then on." Their friendship grew to love quickly. Marriage was discussed but they weren't in a hurry.
Michaelle loved his smile which melted her heart and says he made her laugh. "He had a great sense of family. He was proud to call himself a 'Mama's Boy.' He loved my son like he was his own, loved his dog. The man had a big heart, what can I say?"
Darren kept his physical condition to himself. Michaelle says the pain pills were many and warned him to be careful.
Many of us may wish we had one more day to talk to a loved one who has died. Michaelle is no different and her thoughts include two things to talk to Darren about. "First, I would say, 'Let's go down to the river and talk about the good times. I want to see you smile one more time.' " She said she would affirm her love for him and let him know he was not alone.
"Second, I would show him the hurt and heartache he will cause everyone by being gone."
Michaelle is taking one day at a time these days. She no longer takes anything for granted and said Darren taught her it is good to love with passion and grace and with your whole heart.
Closing thoughts
Michaelle wants the reader to truly embrace your life and those you love. "Don't be afraid to tell them how you feel." She suggests that if you love someone and have not told them, do not waste time and tell them now. Life really is short. She adds, to take that risk you have let go and don't be afraid to express yourself, even if you are viewed as different. "Because that is what makes us...us."
"My sister wrote this in Darren's guest book at his service,
'Stand strong in the storms of life and the sun will always shine on you. Robert Ritchie.' "
That sums it up, Michaelle says.
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