It has happened again. Someone I knew and cared about has died suddenly, and unexpectedly. She was way too young for any of us to have anticipated losing her. So many of us are shocked and saddened at the loss. Her beautiful, loving spirit touched many, many lives, both professionally and personally.
So many of us wish we had one more chance to sit down with her, just to feel her gentle presence near us. So many things were left unsaid. So many missed opportunities to know her better. Everyone thought there would always be tomorrow. We miss her smile, her lilting laughter, her gentle caring ways, her energetic vitality, but most of all we miss knowing that she was a part of our lives.
I often write about appreciating our blessings, to not take anything — or anyone — for granted. None of us know when our last day will be. We also don’t know when those we love will no longer be with us. Don’t let too much time go by without letting the people you care about know how much you care. Tell them with your words and your actions that they’re loved.
For the people who you see on a frequent basis, even if they’re on the periphery of your life, take the time to get to know them. If they are a part of your life, their presence has meaning. Their absence will also have meaning. Don’t waste the opportunity you’ve been given to learn from them. Let them learn from you. Connect on more than a surface level, so that there’s a mutual sharing and celebrating of all of the life lessons that have been learned. Become aware of what they care about, what they’re concerned about. Let them know you.
For the people who are close to your heart, cherish them. Be sure that your connections are solid and strong. If there’s something that needs repaired, repair it. Nurture your relationships on a consistent basis with a meaningful sharing of time, communication, and love. Don’t put it off until tomorrow. Tomorrow may not come. Do it today!
I’m writing this post as a way to honor Jenny. May her spirit continue to bless all who were a part of her short journey, as we go on without her by our side.
Until next time,
Linda
I too lost a dear friend quite suddenly at far to young an age. I still think that I will be able to call her. Very sobering how fast she went…it could happen to any of us..
It’s so true, Valerie! Every day we’re given, and every person that we care about, is so precious. Once that day is gone, or that person has died, there’s no way to go backwards.
Linda
Sorry for your loss Linda. Your writing is a reminder to always cherish our loved ones.
Thank you, Linda! I’m so glad that you are able to use this post as a reminder to cherish your loved ones. After several unexpected losses the last few years, that understanding really resonates with me.
Linda
Beautiful post and reminder for each of us to cherish one another in the present moment and not put off telling someone how much we care about them. Thank you Linda.
Thank you, Susan! I’m glad that you appreciated the post, and that it might serve as a reminder for you to let others know that they’re cherished. That is exactly what I hoped my writing it might do.
Linda
As I read your post Linda, I thought of the most cherished people in my life and determined I would give a tighter “squeeze” to my “peeps.”
And, I’m going to put my granddaughter’s face in my hands, look her in the eye and tell her how precious and loved she is to me! Thanks for the post.
Linda, your comment makes me so happy! That’s exactly what I was hoping to accomplish with my post! Besides wanting an opportunity to honor Jenny, I wanted people to really think about their loved ones, and to make their love crystal clear to them. Thank you!
Linda
I’m sorry for your loss, Linda. What a great and much needed reminder to let those in our lives know how much we care. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone so young and so unexpectedly.
Thank you, Lisa! I’m glad that it felt meaningful to you. I wanted to reach out to as many people as possible to say that you never know when it’s going to be too late to let people know that they matter.
Linda
Thanks Linda. Your words are a great reminder for me that there is no way to know. No way to plan for sudden life-haps. I have lost several friends and family suddenly; all under the age of 51.
I and other of my family and friends have said …”I could have.. or I wish I’d…” in all cases I did what I could and in hindsight, I am not sure that anything would have changed outcomes.
I’ve learned to let go like I would with a helium balloon and whenever I see a balloon in the sky, like a neumonic device, I recall those things I let go of and let go again and again.
Thank you, Cindy! What a beautiful, heartfelt comment. You do just what we all need to learn to do. We can’t change the past. I wrote this post to hopefully help those who have been meaning to contact someone, but haven’t. None of us want to live with regrets. If we can learn how to take advantage of the moment to let people know we care, it changes this moment, and maybe future moments as well.
Linda
I know of whom you speak, Linda, and I’m so glad I found your beautiful tribute here. It describes her so well. I knew her for four years, and I’m devastated by her loss. Thank you for writing what you did; it makes me feel just a little less alone.
Thank you for your kind comment, Caroline. I’m so glad that this post was comforting to you. If you knew Jenny for four years, then I’m sure that she lives on in your memory of her. I hope, in time, that will ease some of the pain you’re feeling. Jenny lived her life with a passion for each day, and that’s a wonderful example for us to follow. Honor her by remembering her smile, and her strength, and allowing those memories to help strengthen and comfort you.
Linda