I've loved this quote for over 20 years:

Your life feels different on you, once you greet death and understand your heart's position. You wear your life like a garment from the mission bundle sale ever after -- lightly because you realize you never paid nothing for it, cherishing because you know you won't ever come by such a bargain again.
- Louise Erdrich

Stacey. Former high school teacher, back in the corporate world, mom to 2 bright girls: DD12 & DD7.