Written in loving memory of my Grandfather….
When I think about the word ‘guarantee’ the clip from Tommy Boy always comes to mind; however, although that is a funny clip.. this post is centered around something quite important…
There are no guarantees in life.. we are given a lot and as Americans we tend to take advantage of just about everything around us… I do not say this to spark a to-do, I am merely reflecting on my own selfishness. I go to bed each night thinking about what I have to do the next day… I am assuming that I will wake up the next day… I have been known to miss something and quickly say…‘next time’, again, I am assuming that there will be a next time. I could go on, but you get the gist.
Time is the most precious thing out there.. it cannot be repeated, it cannot be bottled up, saved for later and it definitely cannot be duplicated. I do not want to sound like a killjoy.. but, I want to take a moment to make a point. Each day that we are able to wake up to is a gift, not a have to. Yes, we will have our moments of despair, worry and regret; however, at least we are still able to experience – something, anything.
If you love someone, tell them. If you like someone, tell them. If you appreciate someone, tell them. You may never have a ‘next time’.
As we age, I believe that we begin to appreciate time more… perhaps it’s because as we age, so do those that are older than us; however, let’s not for one minute think that only Senior Citizens pass away….there are some that pass away (in their minds) and still walk the Earth…there are those that leave way too early (Paul N. Heckt) and then there are those that we simply lose touch with until it’s too late.
I held a grudge toward someone very close for more years than I care to admit; however, his near death experience shook me where I stood and I realized that the grudge, I held was childish, selfish and entirely my own doing… I am so glad that I had another chance to right the wrong and grow closer to that person, of which I am very close to now. Trust me, when I tell you this… irrespective of what someone has actually done or what you perceive they have done.. put down the sticks and embrace them for the person that they are. No one is perfect and the wrongs of yesterday should not be the controller of tomorrow… Embrace those around you….
In dating, we want to make sure that we do not appear needy; however, there’s nothing wrong in letting someone know how you feel, unless, you’re crazy. If you’re crazy, you probably should not be dating. In the past few years, I have just told people how I feel.. yet, I make sure they know I am sharing my feelings.. I am not saying anything with the expectation of a response or concurrence. In fact, I take this several steps further…as I’ve been told this by several people who know me:
“I always know exactly where you stand and how you feel.”
I believe that if you do not say something at the time… the moment or person may pass, never to return again.
I am lucky to be 41 and have both of my parents living.. some people do not have that. In fact, some people I know have lost their parent or parents when they were young… I cannot imagine life without one or both of my parents.
I am not writing this to be a death-downer, but, I do want to make a strong point.. we are not guaranteed a damn thing. Each day that we wake to is something that should be valued… each person that we interact with is someone we should extend civil respect at a minimum to… each experience we should learn from.. and if we err, we should attempt to right the wrong.
If you see someone who you have not seen for a while, take a moment to let them know how you feel about them… you will never regret it.. but, if you do not – you very well may. If you want to share something with someone – share it… not just on Facebook, but, in person (if you can). If you want to try something – try it, the first chance you get and if you enjoy something, do it more often… Life has a way of continuing, despite whatever hurdles you allow to stop you. The word ‘can’t’ should NEVER be in your vocabulary..
I want to single out a specific group of people in this paragraph and that is the men & women of our Armed Services… some have past, despite the fact that they are still working jobs, having families and existing… in truth they are trapped within themselves. Take the time to talk with them, not necessarily about their service.. but, just take a moment to ask how they are. Not everyone in the Military has PTSD; however, there are so very many that do in one form or another. I know many, many people who love & support our Military; however, I also know of a large population that does not… we need to respect and care for those that have raised their hand to protect those that they do not know. We need to be proud of the fact that we have an all volunteer fighting force, that’s growing each day. We need to celebrate the young men & women that raise their hand for a future of who the hell knows…. I have a strong love & appreciation for each person that has served, is serving or has a plan to serve….Make sure to Thank any Service Member that you come in contact with. Being appreciative to our Military Men & Women is NOT a political statement or position, it’s the right thing to do.
Live each day as if it were you last… Carpe Diem, Dance like nobody’s watching and sing as if the world has no ears… and all of the other happy motivational stuff… all in all – just respect the moments given to you…
To each person that reads this… I sincerely Thank You for taking time to read the words I write. Writing has never been an issue for me; however, publishing to those who know me, is a huge step for me. Your comments have truly inspired me and I love seeing comments on my posts as well as likes etc. I am fueled by the input I have received…