Life is short; relish every moment of it

The past week has been difficult in that we've lost two young, vibrant, difference-making members of our community.

Senior Airman Deanna Richards collapsed and died Jan. 20 after a routine workout at Cannon Air Force Base. The cause of her death has not been released.

Curry County Clerk Jo Lynn Queener died Thursday night in a Lubbock hospital, where she'd been taken by ambulance on Tuesday. Family members said she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Richards was just, 26, Queener only 48 — both seemingly healthy just a few days ago, both actively involved in their life's missions, both taken from their families and friends far sooner than anyone could have imagined.

Friends described Richards as "outgoing," "unapologetically herself," "always on the go" and "always fun."

Sgt. Dane Daproza was among her best friends.

"Whenever I was feeling down, she was always there for me," Daproza said.

"She would put on 'Hakuna Matata' from 'The Lion King' and make me sing along, and she'd make me do crazy dances along with it."

No wonder a friend lovingly labeled her "crazy girl" in a Facebook post.

Queener was elected Curry County Clerk last year, defeating two opponents in the Republican primary in June.

She started her new job on her birthday, Jan. 3.

Tributes from her friends included recurring themes of kindness and generosity, with a loving spirit.

"Since the very first day I met Jo Lynn, she wore the most gorgeous and contagious smile I have ever seen," Lunden Hromas wrote in a tribute.

"If I was ever down she knew exactly what to say or do to lift me up again ..."

Curry County Manager Lance Pyle called her, "a beloved member of our community," and "a great asset to Curry County."

It's only natural to ask "why" in situations where death strikes so suddenly, without warning, claiming strong, productive, energetic people who have so much still to give.

But we don't always get to know "why" in this lifetime on Earth.

What we can do, however, to honor Richards and Queener and others who've left us too soon, is to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones.

Whether it's cheering for a grandchild rounding third base, sharing stories on a back porch, marveling at the voices in a church choir, appreciating the power of a freight train at a crossing, or helping a toddler color a unicorn, embrace the moment like you've won an Oscar.

Don't take simple pleasures for granted, be they sunsets, hot buttered corn on the cob, or a Yahtzee! to win the game on a final roll.

The loss of Deanna Richards and Jo Lynn Queener reminded us last week that life is short. Live it with a gorgeous and contagious smile, while dancing to "Hakuna Matata," as often as you can.

Unsigned editorials are the opinion of the Clovis Media Inc.'s editorial board, which consists of Publisher Rob Langrell and Editor David Stevens.