I wish this week was different…

Today has gotten off on the wrong foot. After what I would call a very enjoyable weekend, today has taken a turn for the worse. As I got into work today it was announced that one of our colleagues passed away this morning. The worst part: I talked to him on Friday and he seemed just fine.

This entire experience has put a muted and subdued atmosphere over everyone at work and it feels weird to sit here knowing no one will ever see him walking down the hall way again. I didn’t know him very well but I talked to him from time to time.

What makes this even more surreal for me is the fact that he was only a few years younger than my parents and only a few weeks ago, one of my friends lost her father (also roughly my parents age). These sort of events just make me wonder: what if? What if this happens to my parents? I just feel that only this much has to happen before something like this could happen to my family.

I know: it’s what happens. It’s part of life, but still: these things can happen so quickly and unexpected that it makes me want to cherish every moment I get. Especially after having such a fantastic day out with my family yesterday. Today is December 5th, which is when we celebrate Sinterklaas in the Netherlands. As part of the festivities my mother had decided on a surprise visit to our favorite amusement park and we had tons of fun yesterday. And now this…

I don’t know how many blogs will come up this week, I will try to keep the schedule going. Naturally, I’m in shock (just like everyone else here) and I don’t know what this week will be like just yet…