No Regrets

On the occasion that one of my family members has left to go run an errand or someone I know has left a gathering without my knowledge, I always think "they didn't even say goodbye." For me personally, that's such an important piece of closure to a visit. Whether it's only until the next time you see them, which might only be in a few hours, or for the rest of your life.

This week, two tragedies really reinforced this feeling for me. First, was the horrific accident in Michigan where four teens were killed by a drunk driver. They were sitting at a stop light, on their way to pick up a pizza. Doing everything right, while doing nothing at all. And then they were gone. No chance to say good bye to their families or to each other, "thank you" for being in my life, or "I love you."

The second incident involves actress Natasha Richardson and her untimely death due to what seemed, at the time, a simple tumble on a beginner ski slope. She got up, laughed it off, and dismissed the need for medical care. She felt fine. Then, just a few hours later, she was in critical condition and last night she passed away. Gone. Poof. Over.

I remember watching the horrific events unfold on September 11, 2001 and thinking about the people who were gone forever all while doing some of their every day, mundane tasks. Going to work, traveling on business, living their routine. I remember thinking that even during their frightening and uncertain moments, some had the presence of mind to call their loved ones to say "goodbye" and "I love you", to give them some closure. Even though the victims already knew their families knew they loved them, it was still important to say it and have them hear it.

We become so complacent with the people in our lives that it's easy to take them for granted. This week serves as a reminder to me that I can not be complacent. I need to make sure I have closure each time I see a friend or family member and say "good bye." Because you never know, it could be my last one and I don't want to have any regrets.

Last year, when Alex was involved in a serious car accident, is when I personally started seeing things from a different perspective. He was only coming home from the library. So innocuous, so boring, and yet so life changing. What's so funny is that I knew that life could be fleeting. Having survived cancer made me live life with more urgency years ago. But I became too comfortable and complacent.

Ed's dad passed away from cancer in the fall of 2006. While we were so sad to have lost him, we did feel blessed that we had the opportunity to spend time with him, tell him how much we loved him, and say our goodbyes before he left. For that we are grateful. So many people are not afforded this opportunity in life or in death.

Life is fragile, even if you are just going to pick up a pizza or to the library to study. Be sure to tell your loved ones just that...that they are loved. Don't assume that you will have plenty of time later. No regrets.