How often do we run out the door without saying good-bye--or say something less than kind or something critical under our breath as we go our seperate ways? How often do we take for granted those we love and count on the most, assuming we will always be together? Most of us seem to operate under the assumption that we can always be kind later, that there's always tomorrow.
Five weeks ago, my father-in-law lost a 6 month battle with lung cancer. He was such a great man of integrity. I'm so thankful for the things that he instilled in his son. As he lay there in his hospital bed, I wish I would have told him more how special he was and how dear he was to me. But for some reason, I felt I would cause him more pain. Looking back, I would do things differently.
Just three weeks ago, I saw my step-dad of 21 years, for the last time. Of course I didn't realize it would be the last time. Oh, how I wish I would have known. He drove himself to work at 6 am, and was pronounced dead at 6:37 am. I never had the chance to tell him thanks for the many things he had done for me, my family and my mother.
Only two weeks ago, I received a call that my 87 year old grandmother had been taken to the hospital. David and I were the first to arrive and can you guess the first things I began to tell her, as she lay there looking up at me? Yes, how special she was, how much I appreciated all she had done throughout the years and that I loved her so very much. At the time, her vital signs were good and we really thought she was going to be fine. But, suddenly she took a turn for the worse and within three hours she passed from this earthly life.
Our daily lives can be this precious. Perhaps, if you thought there was always the possibility that this were the last time you were going to see someone you love, you'd take an extra minute to give a loving hug and say good-bye. Or maybe you'd say something kind and gentle, an affirmation of your love, intead of your business-as-ususal "See you later." Rather than rushing away, you'd probably smile and tell the person how much you care. Your heart would be open.
I make this suggestion not to create a fearful environment but to encourage you to remember how precious your family is and how much you'd miss them if they (or you) weren't around to share your life. So I challange you to give more hugs than ever before and say the three precious words "I love you"! You won't be sorry.
Please continue to keep David's mom, my mom, and my three girls in your thoughts and prayers, as we go through our griefs in different ways, yet all pulling together and look to our Heavenly Father for strength, peace and joy.
