In the second week of vacation, I am enjoying relaxing.

That is what vacations are for I am told.

I find myself stopping to watch movies. “Vantage Point,” “Shawshank Redemption,” “Duets,” and even “West Side Story.”

“Shawshank Redemption” is a favorite. Surfing the channels and I come upon this movie, I will stop and watch.

Every time, I come away with something new.

I find more depth in the characters. They are people we come in contact every day.

“Get busy living, or get busy dying,” is a line I remembered the first time I watched it years ago.

However, on Sunday when I watched it, the line had more depth, meaning.

A lot has to do with a friend caring for her mother, who is dying. Then there are two high school classmates who are mourning the recent loss of a parent and a spouse who passed a year ago.

Today also happened to be the second anniversary of one of my uncles dying. My aunt has continued her journey, but it still is bumpy and lonely. Oh, the times I have wanted to hug her and tell her all is OK. I do not think the e-mails I send her during these down times come close to easing the loss.

Get busy living or get busy dying.

Those who have lost loved ones do both. I do not see away around it.

It is part of the mourning process as well as the healing process. We should never forget those who have departed. We have memories and promises to keep.

But when we are at the darkest hour, I believe that is when God tells us to hang on. He knows the road ahead. He wants us to trust him.

How can we say no?

In 1970, I lost my older brother. Some how my parents and I found a way to get busy living.

The spirit of my brother lives in each of us.

This past summer I learned what it really means to get busy living. A column I wrote in regards to how my family overcame the loss opened a door. Many stories were told me by classmates during a reunion.

I was able to put it all in context.

Now, I am getting busy living.