Its nice to be remembered on your birthday, Christmas, mother’s day, father’s day, valentines, anniversaries. Just knowing that someone cared enough to stop and think of you by picking out a card or a gift for a special day is a good feeling. But as I’ve grown older I’ve found that the most important gift of all is time.
We all seem pressed for time. Most of us work, take care of our homes or our children and there is always a million things on our list of things to get done. We have reminders on our calendars for doctor’s appointments, anniversaries, birthdays, all sorts of things. We see a special day coming up for someone and we put that on our list of things to do. Buy a card or gift for……….
We put it in the mail and mark it off our list. The card or gift arrives and the recipient is always happy to see an envelope or package with their name one it. They know what it is and what its for. They are happy to know that they’ve been remembered. But after the grand opening and the initial rush of pleasant feelings, you start to feel a little let down. It feels a little lonely for some reason.
I remember that last time I talked to my Dad. It was the evening he had his stroke. I called my parents to talk to my Mom. I don’t remember why. I do remember he answered the phone and told me he wasn’t feeling well. I talked to him just a short while and then asked to speak to my Mom. A couple of hours later she called me to tell me they were at the hospital and my Dad had had a stroke. It was bad. I couldn’t talk to her and had to give the phone to Doug for him to get the information.
You just really do not know how long you will have someone in your life. I’ve learned to value every second that I can. Its not always easy and it takes effort sometimes. But I don’t want to live with any regrets. Don’t be selfish with you time. Take a minute to call or visit someone and let them know that they are important to you. You never know when that call will come and then you’ll realize that your time has ran out.