Don't Wait

Today is a sad anniversary in our house. Nine years ago, my father-in-law passed away from pancreatic cancer. We only knew he was sick for three weeks, so making the most of those three weeks became a priority, and we spent three weekends in central Washington, despite nasty snow storms. The last weekend we spent with him are full of tender moments of a son taking care of his dad, even though it was the most difficult thing he has ever done. My husband attended to the needs of his very sick dad for three days. Despite the looming sadness, they spent a lot of time talking and remembering, as they knew it would be the last time they would be together on this earth. They spent a lot of time sharing a deep level of love. My father-in-law was a jokester, and despite being in excruciating pain, he made sure we had a few laughs as well. Other family members didn't take the time to say goodbyes or to make sure that everything that needed to be said was said, so they live with the should haves and unanswered questions to this day. To continue along with yesterday's theme, don't wait. Make wrongs right with those you are in relationship with, tell them you love them and how much they mean to you. Make sure those you love know they are special to you. Don't wait because you may never have those opportunities again. We are not guaranteed to be here tomorrow; each breath we take is a gift. Pick up the phone, go to lunch or coffee, send an email, or send a card in the mail and just let those in your life know how much you love them and how much they mean to you. Don't wait.