Starla light, Starla bright

I was making the weekly trash run up the driveway with the dogs the other day. It's a treat for the dogs to go with daddy. On the way back down, there is always a clear view of the constellation of Orion directly in front of me.

 I don't look at those stars the same way anymore. Particularly in these times of COVID-19 where your mortality seems to be on your mind more and more.

 Four or five years ago, one of my wife’s childhood friends and his family came to visit. They'd been here before. This time was different, as they made a special trip with their daughter Starla. She was about 35 or so, I think. My wife knew her from the day she was born - with brain cancer. As a very young child, she had fully half of her brain removed to save her life.

 Starla went on to live a pretty good life all things considered. She graduated from high school (special needs) and lived and loved life every day. I'd never met Starla before, but found her to be very sweet and charming, and an inspiration. When she was here she was in renal failure, and they did not expect her to live much longer. My wife went out with her family and did some fun stuff around town. She had the most positive attitude you can imagine, even in the face of certain death, which she was very well aware of.

 Starla had a great time. She returned home with her family and died a few weeks later.

 When I heard the news, I decided to name the middle star in Orion's belt after Starla, so I would never forget that light that burned so brightly for such a short time.

 Thank you to all the first responders and health care providers. Thank you to all, for the community support for them and for all our neighbors helping neighbors.

 Live every day as if it were your last. Every day is a gift.