The 2016 presidential campaign was the most bizarre in U.S. History.
Seemingly, we now have the most inimitable administration ever.
I haven't written about events lately as I waited for the country to reach "normalcy."
After this past Friday's Inauguration Day and this past Saturday's tumultuous protests of an administration yet to take any action, I was sitting down to finally write some thoughts when events in my personal life made everything happening on the world stage seem small.I received a reminder of what's really important in life. A jolt; every day is precious, so don't take a sunrise or sunset for granted.
In nearly a decade of sports and talk radio, If I had a dollar for every time somebody said, "we didn't leave anything on field/court, etc." I'd be wealthy enough to be mistaken for a member of Trump's cabinet. Live every day like it might be your last.
And well, make sure that you haven't left anything on the table because nobody knows when their time is up.
Over the weekend my sister-in-law, Ann, passed away in her sleep. Ann was just 47. She hadn't battled a major illness. She led a healthy life. There was no indication that this vibrant woman wouldn't lead a full life. The news was shocking and remains surreal.
Since I've told you, she was vibrant and brought you into my life, allow me to get a bit more personal and tell you more about Ann. She was closer to being my second sister than a sister-in-law. Early in our relationship my (now) wife (Cyndi) brought me to a big family event for the first time; her other siblings eyed me (rightfully) skeptically.
Ann immediately accepted me, and we were instantly brother/sister. Of my wife's nine siblings, they were closest in age and looked most alike. Their relationship was the type you usually see on television or in the movies.
I was 1,000 miles away when my wife went into labor seven weeks early. Ann picked me up at the airport and was the first family or friend to meet our premature twins in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).
She was more of a second mother than auntie to our kids.
We stayed with her family when we went home for Thanksgivings. She showered our twins with love and always sent us home with bundles of clothes, toys, books and more.
Last Thanksgiving we bought an additional suitcase before our return because it was less expensive than paying for overweight bags.
Ann is survived by her husband (and my friend, John), two terrific teenage boys Jack (16) and Luke (13), six siblings (including my amazing wife) and an extended family of dozens of more people. Beyond family are the hundreds of youngsters who's life's she impacted as a teacher, primarily dealing with special needs students.
My heart and prayers go out to all. Her absence leaves a huge void in hundreds of peoples' lives, including mine and our twins.
Soon enough I'll be outraged again by what's happening on the world stage.
Today, I am focused on the people and things that are truly the most vital. I am reminded to cherish each day and live it as it might be your last because it could be. Don't leave scars unattended, never to heal because you forgot what was essential.
Ann, thanks for your capacity to love all those around you and for reminding me what is most important.
Andy Bloom is a former communications director for Rep. Michael R. Turner, R-Ohio, and as operations manager oversaw content for Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, and Sports Radio 94 WIP, Philadelphia for eight years. For more of his reports, Go Here Now
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