The
provocative title is a raw thought ... in light of my wife's
grandfather passing a few days ago. A great, humble man who lived a
long and full life to the age of 97 ... a man I've had the privilege of
knowing for the last 10 years - a giant among us - full of love, spirit,
enthusiasm, generosity... RIP Nanaji. Thank you for all you've taught us...
despite the sadness of his passing, we are focusing on celebrating his
life and his legacy. I am super thankful that I got to see him a few
weeks ago and spend some quality time with him.
Back to the question in the title of this post... why do we scramble to be at someone's bedside when they are critically sick? why do we scramble and rush to someone's funeral? Feels kinda odd given that most of us don't show the same level of urgency when someone is healthy and well. Is the rush to be at someone's bedside when they're near-death an acknowledgement of the limited time we have with them? Feels kinda odd given that our time with each other is inherently limited. We're not immortal, the clock's always turning so why then do we not make time for the people we love while they're still healthy and alive and we're healthy and alive? Feels kinda odd that the value someone holds to us seemingly increases in times of death and distress. Why not bring urgency to express the love we feel, to give of ourselves, to be present, to give our time while we still have the opportunity? So, make that call, make that trip, do what you can while you still have the chance because, unfortunately, later could turn into never. Ask yourself if you're ok living with the regret of leaving something unsaid, of not having been able to have that last conversation, that last visit only because you chose not to make it a priority. Ask yourself whether it's better to celebrate in life together or commiserate in death?
If you're reading this post, I urge you to pick up the phone and call someone you love and tell them that. Or go show up at their doorstep. Or write them an email... that would be a wonderful tribute to our Nanaji and the way he lived his life. Thank you.
Back to the question in the title of this post... why do we scramble to be at someone's bedside when they are critically sick? why do we scramble and rush to someone's funeral? Feels kinda odd given that most of us don't show the same level of urgency when someone is healthy and well. Is the rush to be at someone's bedside when they're near-death an acknowledgement of the limited time we have with them? Feels kinda odd given that our time with each other is inherently limited. We're not immortal, the clock's always turning so why then do we not make time for the people we love while they're still healthy and alive and we're healthy and alive? Feels kinda odd that the value someone holds to us seemingly increases in times of death and distress. Why not bring urgency to express the love we feel, to give of ourselves, to be present, to give our time while we still have the opportunity? So, make that call, make that trip, do what you can while you still have the chance because, unfortunately, later could turn into never. Ask yourself if you're ok living with the regret of leaving something unsaid, of not having been able to have that last conversation, that last visit only because you chose not to make it a priority. Ask yourself whether it's better to celebrate in life together or commiserate in death?
If you're reading this post, I urge you to pick up the phone and call someone you love and tell them that. Or go show up at their doorstep. Or write them an email... that would be a wonderful tribute to our Nanaji and the way he lived his life. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment