When I was just a little girl, on every Thanksgiving I would see my cousins that I hadn’t seen all year. I would see my cousin Randee, her husband, and her three kids. Every Thanksgiving came around, and Randee would show up with toys for me. When you’re that young, you can’t really appreciate how much the little things mean, but as I grew older, I learned to appreciate the little things more and more. As I grew older, I learned that it wasn’t about the toys, but the lessons that came along with her bringing the toys. It showed me that Randee was the type of person who knew that just the smallest acts of kindness could brighten someone’s day, and to always think of others before yourself.
This week I attended my cousin Randee’s funeral—something I would have never imagined doing just a year ago. Randee passed away from cancer after giving it a hard and courageous fight that inspired so many people.
Randee Gerson was a special type of person that you don’t find often in this world. She was a special education teacher who dedicated her time to helping others, she raised 3 beautiful kids, and she lived a happy life. I think we can all learn some life lessons from Randee.
Family comes first. Randee always lived for her family and friends. No matter what she was doing, when her kids or children-in-law needed her, she would be there. She was that selfless. Just two months before passing away, she got to attend her youngest daughter Jennifer's wedding. I don’t know many people who would be able to do that given the cruel and hard conditions she was facing, but she made sure she wouldn’t miss the wedding for anything. Even feeling her worst, she kept a smile and brave face on and was there just to focus on her daughter’s happiest day of her life.
Always be brave. It overwhelms me with different emotions to know that Randee lived the last of her life with such courage. I am so proud to be able to call someone like that my cousin. She was so sick, but stuck through it to the very end.
You can change the world. Being a special education teacher, Randee was able to dedicate her life to helping those in need. Not only was she an amazing role model to these children, and the rest of her community, but to her three children, and children-in-laws. It’s people like this who make this scary world better. Randee made the world a better place.
Be kind to everyone you meet. This one’s self-explanatory. If you haven’t figured it out yet, Randee was the kindest person you could ever meet.
But I think the biggest lesson we can learn from Randee is to live life to the fullest. When all is said and done, every minute you live your life is a gift. No one knows why bad things happen to such amazing people. We may never have an answer to this question, but it’s important to focus on what these people left you with. All of Randee’s family and friends will focus on all the positive impacts she made during her life, and will continue to do the same to honor her.
You were every positive adjective there is, Randee, and you will be deeply missed.
