The 4 quarters of life!
- cassiekarch
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
My beautiful friend Mattice was laid to rest on Friday. So many people showed up to say goodbye. When I tried to count through blurry, tear-filled eyes, it had to be at least 400 people. Seeing that many faces — different ages, different backgrounds, different religions, different everything — told the truth about who she was. Her light reached people. She was a powerful force in this world. A bright beam on top of a hill, guiding anybody who needed a path.
I only had the honor of knowing Mattice for two years, but it felt like I’d known her all my life. The first time we met, it was like our spirits already recognized each other. Listening to her loved ones share stories felt almost unreal, like I was learning about different chapters of a book I had just stepped into. And honestly, until I saw her lying there in her casket, I don’t think I had really accepted she was gone. She lived 39 years, but the way she touched people? That impact will last forever. One thing that brings me comfort is knowing she found her soulmate, Chris, and she got to experience a love that held her all the way to her last breath.
When her uncle started talking about the four seasons of life, I wish I had recorded him. His words hit hard. They were deep, and I wanted to remember every piece of it. I didn’t pull out my phone, because I wanted to stay present — but I’m going to do my best to share it here.
He said the Bible tells us we’re given 70 years, and anything after that is extra time. Then he compared life to a basketball game — four quarters, each one with its own meaning:
1st Quarter: Birth to 20
Your rookie season. You’re learning everything. You’re stumbling, messing up, getting back up. You’re coached by parents, grandparents, teachers, whoever steps in to guide you.
2nd Quarter: 20 to 40
You’re on offense now. Building your life. Building your family, career, money, your whole identity. You’re making big plays. You’re trying to establish who you are and where you’re headed.
3rd Quarter: 40 to 60
This is where life can hit back. Health issues, crises, career shakeups. You get tired. You’re forced to adjust. You realize therapy might be needed. You learn that every day counts in a way you didn’t understand before.
4th Quarter: 60 to 80
You slow down a bit but you are still in the game. You start passing what you know to the younger ones. You set your family up. You build your legacy. You think about your impact. You prepare for the final buzzer — or, if you’re lucky, overtime.
And overtime? That’s the bonus round. That’s where you get extra chances to make your mark, share your wisdom, and finish strong. But every moment matters there.
My friend Mattice didn’t get all four quarters. She faced a life-ending injury in her second quarter. But the way she lived? She played like she had been given overtime. She played like she had something to give every single day. Her legacy is stamped on every person she showed up for, fought for, and loved without limits.
I love you, Mattice. I’ll keep spreading love. I’ll keep supporting small businesses. I’ll keep fighting for the people who feel overlooked. You were the definition of pure, authentic LOVE. Anyone who crossed your path walked away changed — challenged to do better, be better, love harder.
You will not be forgotten.
If you are able to, please donate to Mattice's GoFundMe to support her family in their time of need. The link is below:
Sending you love, light and positive vibes,
Cassie K.
"Always remember to LIVE life to the fullest, to LAUGH at everything and to LOVE unconditionally!"
Comments