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Bottom line: Every moment counts. YOU matter.
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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Hi Lance,
I’m typing this with tears in my eyes and reading your words, “Every moment counts. YOU matter. ” Let us not forget that.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful find. It truly touched my heart.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inquiring Minds Want To Know =-.
it is truly amazing how many people forget, in this crazybusyhecticworld, that they do matter.
we all matter.
Thank you.
.-= Miz´s Last Fabulous Post ..Random weekend Progresso soup giveaway. =-.
Dearest Lance,
You have managed to touch a very deep chord in my soul with this video. We all need to understand and take full advantage of all the life’s moments we have, while we have them.
Each and every one of us is important and unique..and so full of love. Our lives should be full of memorable moments.…..
May all of us have millions of balloons at our funerals.…and may each balloon represent a day in our life spent in true and total love. Amen.
Thank you for sharing this Lance, I really needed to see this.
Much Love always,
Z~
.-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s Last Fabulous Post ..Do More… =-.
God bless Eliott and his parents.….….….…..
Thank you for reminding us how precious life is.….….…
Love Jeanne
.-= Jeanne´s Last Fabulous Post ..Avatar =-.
Someone get me a tissue!
Great message, Lance. Truly.
.-= Joanna Sutter´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday School =-.
Lance,
I’m sniffling with a tissue in my hands. Having two healthy boys, I can’t even begin to think about what Eliot’s parents must have gone through. And yet, they found gratitude, the secret to mastering everything.
Snif snif. Eliot had a job on earth which was to make his parents make this video and share it with the world, so that we all become grateful for each day, each moment — the good and the bad, the joyful and the sad.
Thanks for reminding us of that. sigh.
Mimi
.-= Mindful Mimi´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday laugh =-.
Thankyou Lance for posting this heartfelt video. Viewing it certainly puts ones life in perspective.
What wonderful parents Eliott chose for his short time on earth.
Much love and light
Peggy xxxx
.-= miruspeg´s Last Fabulous Post ..Fear-le-well =-.
bawling.
grateful.
what amazing parents.
what an amazing boy.
.-= Michelle@Eatingjourney´s Last Fabulous Post ..Seven Beautiful Exposed Reflections =-.
Lance.
No words today.
Just the desire to live fully because we can.
Thank you.
With love and admiration
Katie
.-= Katie West/The Levity Coach´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Healing Power of Joy =-.
This is awesome, thanks for bringing this to my world. How special in gratitude
.-= Suzie Cheel´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inspirational SABs #15 =-.
“Every moment counts” so true and when you think about it something that we take for granted. I love that this couple embraced every moment with their little Elliot. They didn’t know how much time they would have with him, and really when you stop to think about it, none of us know that, and they didn’t take a moment for granted. So many lessons and so many blessings in this video.
How many times do we let things get under our skin, unimportant, silly things. We say cruel things, we don’t listen when our children speak. Or, we think, I’ll do it tomorrow, I’ll be better tomorrow, I’ll try harder tomorrow.
Thank you so much for posting this video. I could go on and on about what I remembered, realized, learned from watching it, but I won’t!
I hope that you have a beautiful Sunday with the fam!
Take care Lance!
Natalia
.-= Natalia Burleson´s Last Fabulous Post ..Goal review week 2 =-.
What a gift this baby boy was. And his sweet life will be an inspiration to others through this film — a lovely tribute by his parents. We all do matter. Thank you, Lance.
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Big cat, whiz and wizard =-.
This touched me more than you could ever know. Thank you for the reminder of how grateful I should be, every minute, to have my daughter.
.-= Marisa (Loser for Life)´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weekends =-.
Dittos on what Mimi and Natalia said so beautifully.
I’m going to go hug my husband and daughter extra close now.
Sweet Eliot, he brought such joy.
.-= Jannie Funster´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Beautiful Jumble =-.
How beautiful that story is? How wonderful Eliot’s parents are to celebrate every day of his short, precious life with the world through this video. Like others I am typing this through the veil of my tears. Lance, thanks for sharing this.
.-= Patricia — Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s Last Fabulous Post ..What Childhood Incest Taught Me =-.
Dear Lance,
I post thru tears, and I cannot swallow for the lump in my throat. Every day is a precious gift. Every person is a precious gift. And the mightiest of strength is rooted in the mightiest of love.
Hugs to all
suZen
Lance,
This is one of my favorites. Heart-achingly precious in more ways than one. We released balloons at my nephew’s funeral. He touched many lives, just like Eliot did. These children are miracles. We should celebrate EVERY day. I love the birthday celebrations. Time is a gift to treasure.
.-= Angelia Sims´s Last Fabulous Post ..Haiti’s Saving Grace =-.
wow, thanks so much for sharing this. I will pass it on.…
.-= Jen´s Last Fabulous Post ..the sun sets =-.
I had the hardest time watching this video. One because my bandwidth is terribly slow and it would not load complete so I watched bits and pieces; second because what I was able to see was extremely touching. Great message. Yes, everyone matters to someone. Thanks Lance.
Terie
.-= Terie´s Last Fabulous Post ..Praying with all my heart for the people of Haiti =-.
Oh Lance this is incredible that you found it and put it on your site. I saw this when they were on Oprah and I think I cried through most of it.
What an incredible journey and celebration of life. I find this couple so inspirational, such angels — what an example of love and compassion to show us the highest version that we can be. We can always rise up to our highest levels of love, and not get drawn into misery or self-pity.
Thanks for sharing this with more people Lance — I have no doubt this little baby’s life and that of the parents will be an amazing example for all who come across this!
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Redefining Success: Why I Quit My Job =-.
Hi Lance,
My eyes filled up watching this video. It is so beautiful! God bless Eliot’s parents for being so loving and for handling this all so well. Their love and faith is just humbling and worthy of admiration.
Every second counts and every day is precious. People always think they will have tomorrow but tomorrow is never a guarantee. And yes, we all matter! Amen to that, brother!
Every moment does count…so easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of life. Nice one Lance!
.-= Mark Salinas´s Last Fabulous Post ..Link Love – First of 2010 =-.
Hi Lance: What a beautiful little boy, you could just see what a great little person he was from looking at his eyes. This video makes you feel really happy and really sad at the same time.
.-= Marelisa´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Create Positive Karma =-.
Hi Lance. I saw some of the comments about tears just before I watched this. While I was watching it, though I was touched by the parents’ efforts I was wondering why my reaction was so different to everyone else’s; there were no tears. No tears, until I reached the part where Eliot passed away. Okay. Now I get it.
.-= Davina´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Ride of Your Life =-.
@Barbara — Hi Barbara. The part that really gets me are the snapshots in time at 99 days. That one moment in particular really culminates the value of life for me. And maybe even more, the value of all the moments of our life…
@Miz — We get busy. And all of a sudden, we are truly missing out on what most deeply matters…life…and the people in it.
@Zeenat — Zeenat, thank you so much for sharing so openly. This really touches upon what I see as the deeper value in the quality of our life over the quantity of our life. And to take it a step further, the people that are a part of that life we are living. May millions of balloons accompany each of us on our travels from this earth…in celebration of life.
@Jeanne — The words and moments that Elliot’s parents share are touching at a very deep level…at the value of human life. Thanks so much Jeanne.
@Joanna — I know. This one really pulls at your heartstrings. Everyone is someone in this world. Everyone.
@Mimi — My sentiments exactly, Mimi. Having healthy kids, it’s so hard to imagine how difficult these days would have been…knowing the end is not far away. And it really does touch upon just how precious life is. Today, that is something I am so grateful for, after watching this. And I can’t help but think of my own kids, and how much they mean to me.
@Peggy — Yes, this really does put things in perspective. What really matters? It’s not the biggest house, the fastest car, the most clothes, the biggest bank account. It’s life. Life is something we never know how long we’ll have, and this video just really hits upon this — and how everyone is someone in this world. Such a beautiful message shared through the life of a little boy. Love and light to you always, Peggy…
@Michelle — This is so difficult to watch, and yet so good to watch. A beautiful story of life…
@Katie — And that’s enough. Living fully. Katie, keep being this…life, in you. Is is a gift. For each of us, it is. Be well and shine.…
@Suzie — Suzie, thanks so much for being here. Even in the smallest of things, there is so much to be grateful for.
Hi Lance .. me too — what an amazing tribute .. I’m going to send to a few friends as it’s so special.
Tears before supper — so brings you down to earth ..
Thanks Lance — so special .. every minute does count — because we never know ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..Turning a team of oxen — any idea how? =-.
@Natalia — It is easy to take our lives for granted, and not fully appreciate each moment. Even when we really try, it’s still easy to let moments slip by. When we do connect with these, though, this is OUR life. The big and the small and all the in-between moments. Not knowing when our time here on earth will end makes taking moments for granted so much easier. And the truth is…we just never know how long we have. Natalia, your words today really touch upon what truly matters…life, people, relationships, moments…thank you for sharing all these wonderful thoughts here.
@Lynn — Elliot was a beautiful gift…and he continue to be a gift yet today, through the video of his life…all 99 days. We all do matter…very much…
@Marisa — Marisa, thank you so much for being here. I know how touching this video is, and it does remind me too, of how precious the lives of three kids in my life are. And how grateful I am for all the people I know, including you…
@Jannie — I get this real and deep feeling of the beauty of love when I watch this. So, so moving to go through the life of this little boy, and be touched by his story. Extra hugs sound like a really great thing today… Jannie, thanks for being here, always…
@Patricia — Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker — It’s not like we “know” this young boy, and yet the tears come. And I think that’s because we connect very deeply with life…and how precious it is…no matter how short or how long. Just like you, or like me, or anyone esle — we all make a difference in this world. We all matter… Patricia, it’s good having you here today…
@Suzen — Suzen, I know this is both difficult and beautiful to watch. Seeing death at such a young age is especially hard. Seeing the love and care Elliot’s parents offered is so beautiful. …but the greatest of these is love…
@Angelia — Angelia, I feel that you have this very real connection to this video of Elliot’s life. While I don’t know the story of your nephew, I can only imagine that this was a very difficult day to say good bye. And doing that with balloons, what a wonderful way to celebrate life. These children really are miracles in our lives. And today this does really remind me of how precious life is for all of us. Angelia, thank you so much for sharing this today.
@Jen — Jen, it is good to have you here today, thank you.
@Terie — Terie, yes even it bits and pieces, this video’s message is so clear…life matters. And it makes me appreciate that life even more today, and the lives of my loved ones and friends. Terie, having you here today…knowing especially of the difficulties you’ve had…means a lot. Thank you for all of your wonderful and caring support.
Living each day as if tomorrow may not come. This is the philosophy by which I am living these days. Life comes and goes so quickly. have a beautiful day my friend!
.-= Tabitha´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday’s Thought =-.
Could there be any better example of what’s important in life? I think not. Beautiful, inspiring, heart wrenching and moving. Thanks Lance. The world needs to see this video.
.-= Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s Last Fabulous Post ..Daisy List #22. Learn to Surf =-.
@Evita — Evita, I find this story both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. I guess that’s probably what really draws me into it. To see Elliot say good bye to his time here on earth is so hard. And yet, seeing how these parents celebrated the moments of his life…that is so, so uplifting. And that’s it — we can all do this, celebrate life…the moments of our life, and the moments with others in our life. Love and compassion just completely shine through. And I see that, and think about my life, and how I can be more open to living with love and compassion always. Evita, your words draw in exactly to what I feel, and they are so good to read today.
@Nadia — Hi Nadia. Every moment, every second…it all counts. It all matters. And seeing these loving parents celebrate even the smallest of things — it reminds me that there is always so much for us to celebrate, to soak in, to be.
@Mark — In the busy-ness of life, it sure is easy to get so caught up that we forget the moments…they just kind of pass by. And there is so much in those moments, so much to experience.
@Marelisa — Hi Mare. Yes, you look at Elliot’s face, and it draws you right in. I know the feeling you are experiencing from watching this. It’s so sad to think Elliot’s life has ended. And at the same time, seeing the celebration of life is so inspiring.
@Davina — Hi Davina. It’s that moments when the 99th day arrives that really touches our emotions. Seeing this little baby struggle, smile, succeed, live…and then die. So wonderfully done, celebrating a life well-lived…
@Hilary — We never do know what that next moment in our life holds. And seeing this video, it really does touch upon how life is so worth celebrating. Hilary, thanks so much for all your support here.
@Tabitha — Hi Tabitha. That is a beautiful philosophy for life…because we never do know. And, living this way, I believe, is just that much more living the “real” you out. And that is a great place to be…
@Sami — It really does sum up what really matters, doesn’t it. And from a baby, who lived only just over three months. Life is precious. Every moment is worth it. And everyone is so important. Sami, you are a gift here…
Wow Lance. You’ve got a way of finding such touching, life changing items. I literally have tears in my eyes right now. That is just such a profoundly life changing video, and I can definitely understand how the dad meant that no book can compare to the change this boy had in their life.
Thank you for sharing this with us Lance. This is truly a thoughtful Sunday now.
.-= Nathalie Lussier´s Last Fabulous Post ..I’m a geek girl. There I said it. =-.
So powerful Lance, I had never seen this. This might be your most touching post yet. It is amazing to me what comes “out of the mouths of babes” and yet he didn’t utter a word. So beautiful. I loved it.
.-= Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Christian Meditation =-.
God always seems to send the most important messages in small packages — nothing more demanding of our attention than a baby.
Thank you for sharing
.-= Patricia´s Last Fabulous Post ..Book Review: Born to Run ~ Christopher McDougall =-.
Lance,
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Life is so grand and like Katie I just want to live it. These parents have enough love for a zillion kids I hope they have more. Thanks again. You matter as well!
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..Why I Love To Blog =-.
@Nathalie — I know, Nathalie. This is one of those videos that really has an emotional pull to it. It is hard watch, especially as Elliot’s life comes to an end. And as I watched this (several times), I was completely drawn into the sense of just how much we all matter…always. That was a deeply touching part of this for me.
@Audra — I do think that this video touches an emotional chord like nothing else that I have shared here. There is so much love there…and then to see that little baby’s life on earth come to an end…is so hard. And yet, it became a celebration too…a celebration of life. Beautiful…
@Patricia — Yes, Elliot’s time on earth, though short, left a profound impact. And that IS God, working in one of His many wondrous ways!
@Tess — Hi Tess. That was something that jumped out at me, too — the love these new parents showed…what a beautiful gift to the world, really. I don’t know their story beyond Elliot…although they certainly have shined the word “love” through him. Thank you Tess, for all your support and care here…and know that you matter too…very much.…
Hi Lance!
This was great. What a great way to approach a very difficult situation. I love how this highlights the amazing opportunity even a tiny time on Earth can be and, at the same time, recognizes the longevity of the spirit. Beautiful.
.-= Amy Putkonen (Jewell)´s Last Fabulous Post ..Cirkla Social Media Tip – Keywords =-.
Definitely shoudn’t have watched this at work! How sad! But it does remind us to live each day as your last.
Thanks buddy. What a wonderful reminder of love, dedication and our passing precious moments.
.-= Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s Last Fabulous Post ..Live Big or Die Small =-.
Tears and chills. That’s it. Precious. I’m reminded of how blessed my life is, and how quickly everything can be taken away. We all matter. We all have something to share, for better. Thank you, I had never seen this.
.-= Stacey Shipman´s Last Fabulous Post ..Question of the Week: Stress and the Workplace =-.
That made me get choked up. Thinking of my own son I understand their love. A love for a child is like no other. I know my son will have his difficulties, but I’m also blessed that he is healthy. This video made me appreciate my son more than I already do. Now that’s some powerful video.
I now realize I need to celebrate each day as if it’s his birthday because one never knows when God wants us.
.-= Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..4 Techniques to Help You Deal With a Difficult Boss =-.
Oh, Lance!
.-= Mama Zen´s Last Fabulous Post ..On The Street =-.
WOW! Thank you!
.-= Jody — Fit at 52´s Last Fabulous Post ..Escaping Fear — Guest Post; Giveaway Info! =-.
What a touching story! Thank you, Lance.
.-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s Last Fabulous Post ..2009 Highlight Reel =-.
Our close friends went through something similar last year. Definitely makes you look at life differently.
.-= FatFighterTV´s Last Fabulous Post ..Have Your Cake & Eat it Too! giveaway =-.
Each day counts … especially when we measure the moments and savor what we’ve got.
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Use 3 Stories to Drive Your Day =-.
@Amy — Hi Amy. I believe that Elliot’s parents showed a deep inner strength, and through that really saw the beauty this little boy offered the world, and especially their world, through his presence. If we can all see that, every day, in those we meet…wow!!
@Jenny — Yes, this is one that easily brings the tears. It is so sad seeing this little bundle of love leaving this earth. Yet, at the same time — there is such a celebration of life, too. And that really is so good to see.
@Tom — This little boy shined love and compassion, and seeing that through the eyese of his parents was a touching story of how amazing and truly connecting love is.
@Stacey Shipman — It’s easy to start taking our life for granted, not fully appreciating all the moments in it — both the big and the little. Just look at this little boy, and the joy in just being able to take him outside for a walk. As I type this right now…I am thinking about my short walk outside this morning to the car — and how it was just a passing moment and nothing more. It’s so easy to miss the beauty in what becomes normal activities. There’s so much, though, even in these moments.
@Karl — I too thought of my own children as I watched this, and realized even more how much my time with them means. More than that, though — I thought about life in general — and how we all have moments of “struggle”. And even through all of that, there is still so much to celebrate…if we can only see that “good” in ourselves…in others…
@Mama Zen — It’s a touching story, and one that pulls at that emotional connection within.
@Jody — This story really touches upon the beauty of life, and how wonderful (and fleeting) it is.
@Jodi — Love is a pretty amazing thing, isn’t it Jodi! And these parents shined their love onto Elliot…who in turn gave so much to them. A celebration of life!
@FatFighterTV — I can’t even fully grasp what this must be like to go through. Even seeing this video has me thinking more about what really matters in life. Going through this firsthand, or even knowing someone, as you did — this has to really change your outlook on life. Thanks so much for sharing this.
@J.D. Meier — It all matters…every day, every moment, everyone…
Lance,
I recently visited with a dear friend the grave of her infant daughter who died 33 years ago. Although I did not know either of them when the tragic event occured, we wept together. Thank you for this video. It is always helpful to have words to say. It seems so important to remember in the loss of a child that even 33 years later, the sorrow is still felt. You are a blessing, Lance. jen
.-= jen´s Last Fabulous Post ..how you can find me on amazon kindle =-.
Jen,
Those moments are difficult ones, and knowing what to say…what are the “right” words, can be so hard. Your words and story are touching me today, as I think about life, and living, and being with those who have suffered loss. Jen, thank you for being such a light into the world.
Lance, this is pretty amazing! Thank you for sharing!
blessings to you, ~Jen
.-= Sharmila´s Last Fabulous Post ..Baby Lima Beans: Goodness and Culinary Bliss =-.
Thank you for posting this. As soon as I’m done crying I’m going to go hug my sleeping babies.
.-= Adrenalynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Confessions =-.
@Sharmilla — Jenn, thanks so much for being here. Love is a pretty wonderful thing, and that just really shines through in this video.
@Adrenalynn — This is so hard to watch, especially for me, when Elliot breathes his last…and there is the flashback over the last 99 days. It can be so easy to take for granted those we love…and the truth is, we never know how long that will last. Keep shining love in the world, Lynn…