As the saying goes, all excellent things come to an end. However, the hope is that the end becomes a new beginning. As I awoke this morning, I looked out the window and noticed the raindrops on the window pane. It immediately brought me to the ending scene of the parent trap where the characters have also awoken to a dreary day in London and are now waving their fearful goodbyes. In the background, one of my favorite Ella Fitzgerald songs is playing "Everytime We Say Goodbye." Life is short. In fact as I read the lyrics to this song, I was struck by the news that another jazz great had left us by the name of Geri Allen. Nick had spent time with her during a jazz improvisation class at Pitt. She was only 60 and yet changed humanity in so many ways. She empowered women all over the world in addition to her students and everyone else she came in contact with. Once again a reminder that, life is indeed always too short. So yes, it is always hard to say goodbye, but it is a reminder to do what you can today. Make the most of each day, travel, see the beautiful world, meet beautiful people, run as fast as you can, enjoy the flowers in the park, give back to those in need, give a smile to one who needs it, don't give up on your passions, say please and thank you, see the world with someone else's eyes, don't be judgmental, be kind, read good literature, focus on the good, the great and the beautiful, and realize that the life you have been given is precious. You do have to live purposefully and with intention because the adventure doesn't last forever...

It's always hard to say Goodbye, but a new chapter is always starting. If you haven't already, challenge yourself to go somewhere new, see different cultures and realize that it is our differences that make this world an interesting, exciting and beautiful place.