Thought for the day - Don't wait until it's too late

Today has been one of those days...rough, reflective days that no one particularly likes but everyone benefits from.  We don't always see that in the moment that it happens, but after the fact, we know it's true.  When I logged onto Facebook this morning, one of the first things I see is a post from my best friend saying that another friend of ours suffered a massive heart attack yesterday.  This is someone who is very loving and giving.  He's so much fun to be around and is the perfect son to his mother.  He actually just came back from a vacation earlier this week.  Needless to say, prayers are going out to him.  Then, not even an hour later, I clicked on one of my friends lists that I had created only to find out that someone I know has passed away.  He left this earth on Monday.  He had been very ill over the years.  I do not know exactly what he suffered from but I know it wasn't good.  I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, we only had an online friendship.  That is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life.  We did chat a lot though online and he had the most amazing attitude.  He was always patient, listening to me and my "problems".  And he always was able to put a positive perspective on what was going on in my life, no matter what was going on in his.  That is something that can never be taken away.

That's what it's all about, people.  Taking the time for the people in your life that you care about.  I know that it's easier said than done many times, but it's oh so worth it.  I have spent most of my adult life living with so many "what ifs" when it comes to my loved ones.  People that I care deeply about and when they needed me, I was not there.  Mom and Grandmother are "what ifs" that I do not if I can ever forgive myself for.  There were times when that almost killed me.  Seriously.  I can work through it, but not sure if I can ever forgive and that is hard to live with sometimes.  And, honestly, I'm tired of the "what ifs".

I know my friends and family.  We all have a great many people in our lives that we care about.  Sadly, though, many of us are too busy with whatever.  Many times we hide behind things like Facebook so that we don't have to make the effort.  Yes, we're busy with work and life and whatever.  But, in the end, is that what really matters?  No.  It is the people we cherish.  That's what matters.  They are in our lives for a reason and there is no excuse for not maintaining in real time.  I am guilty of this for sure and it makes me so tired.  I'm tired of being tired.  Aren't you?

So, whoever actually reads this...take time tomorrow to connect.  Write someone a letter.  Call someone.  Return someone's call.  Go to lunch with a friend.  Spend some time together. Let someone know the difference they have made in your life.  Chances are, the feeling is mutual.

We've all heard, and probably said, that tomorrow is not a guarantee...or something to that effect.  As cliche' as that is, it is the God's honest truth.  Let's not let the ones we care about become a "what if".  Believe me, it's not worth that in the end.  We're here now, so we should make the most of the opportunities with the people in our lives.  Life is too short not to make the most of it.

Be good to yourself and to others. Be blessed.  I know I am because of you.

That is all.