Message from tragedies is cherish every moment; life is too good to neglect to appreciate each day

I don't know how his family would feel about it.

But the message the American people are drawing from the tragic, sudden death of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart is to appreciate every moment of life, particularly the very good ones.

They are God-given.

After today's second round of Masters, The New York Times reported an eye-opening comment from golfer Anthony Kim, who had made 11 birdies on 18 holes. That's quite a feat on a traditionally unforgiving course.

The Times wrote that Kim decided after reading the story of the tragic death of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart that he wasn't going to get too despondent about a missed putt or two.

''You have to live every moment of every day like it's your last,'' Kim said after shooting his 65. ''I don't want to go out whining about a three-putt.''

Adenhart, a rookie in his early 20s, pitched in his first game as a major leaguer and did not allow a run during six innings. Hours later, he was killed in a hit and run accident.

Here in Middle Tennessee, people still are talking about the sudden death of WSMV anchor Dan Miller. He died in Augusta, the home of the Masters and his hometown, as he walked to the streets of his old neighborhood to see his childhood home. Miller, 67, died of a heart attack.

Father Joe Pat Breen of St. Edward Catholic Church brought up Adenhart and Miller in his comments to his congregation after Stations of the Cross today.

"Cherish every moment of life God gives you," he said.

We know neither the day or hour that we will be called home. Make sure all the people you love know so. And make sure to cherish those moments of life that are special and good as testament to God's love for you here on this Earth and what awaits you in heaven.