Constant Reminders

We are never short on reminders of just how precious life can be. And yet, one of the things we take for granted most of all is life itself.

We procrastinate, we put things off for another time and worst of all, we leave things unsaid. "I've got work to do, I'll do it next Spring." "She knows how I feel about her." Will you? Does she? What if next Spring never comes? What if she just isn't sure?

My grandfather died seven years ago this past week. On the night before he died, we said goodbye and everyone gave him a kiss. Well, that would be everyone but me. I shook his hand. We had no idea that it was the last goodbye. Seven years and three days later, I've wanted nothing more than to give my grandfather a kiss. There was supposed to be more time, plenty of chances to say goodbye. I was just saying goodbye for the night, I'd see him again tomorrow. I did see him the next day, and I kissed him, but he was already gone. Regrets because we are too proud.

I'm sure we've all lost someone along the way, someone who left us far too soon. You think about him often and know you should give him a call but something always comes up. Christmas is just around the corner and he'll be home for a few days. You're sure you'll catch up with him then. The phone rings and you find out that Christmas isn't coming for him and its going to be quite different for you this year too. Regrets because there's not always tomorrow.

A local high school basketball coach died last week. Based on his record, you could say that he was an amazing coach. By all accounts, he was an even more amazing person. He retired at the end of the season because he wanted to spend more time with his family. No one knew that the 48-year-old coach would only have a few short months to spend with them. Here's a guy who had no idea how little time he actually had left and made time for his family. Im sure the last few months will help the family get by a little easier. Then there are other people who seemingly have all the time in the world and yet never make time for loved ones because there is always the promotion to chase after and more money to make. Regrets because some things are more important.

The world gives us constant reminders of how short life can be. Maybe it is an early morning dorm fire that sees hundreds escape but claims the lives of three. Maybe its the family man who works near the top of a skyscraper that doesnt make it home. And maybe its an 80-year-old man who you think will be there the next morning.

The world gives us constant reminders to live our lives to the fullest, to show our loved ones just how much we care. Jobs, promotions, money... all of it will come and go. Friends and family are what its all about. And eventually they will go too. Which means we need to take advantage of the time we have. Take a day off and spend it with the one you love. Call your buddy even if you'll see him in a few weeks. And for God's sake, kiss your grandfather.

The world gives us constant reminders. Hopefully we all can take advantage of them. Before there are more regrets.