Dear editor,
I heard of the death of my best friend from law school.
Without thought, I set other things aside to make the long drive for visitation.
I didn’t know his family nor his friends - they were from a different time in his life.
My wife and I arrived hours after leaving; remained for only a few minutes; and made the long drive back home in the lateness of the evening.
I had a lot of time to think. My friend was gone - the sojourn was for me and to honor the memories I shared with my departed friend.
During the drive, I considered that twinge of regret that all of us feel in similar times.
Without hesitation, I had decided to drive late into the night in respect of our relationship following his death.
Regretfully, I hadn’t made that same drive in many years in respect of that same relationship while he lived.
That’s the point I need to consider going forward.
With how many people has my life been so intertwined that, upon hearing of their passing, I will drop everything to honor memories and relationship?
Like each of you, for me that number is relatively small.
I need to make inventory.
Then, rather than waiting until some fateful day, I must be willing to make time for them. Now.
While I can honor the relationship WITH them, rather than IN MEMORY of them.
Make inventory.
Make time.
Don’t permit the bloom of relationship to wither until you are left only with fading petals.
Enjoy the fragrance and bright hues now. In life.
I’m going to try to take my own advice.
I encourage you as well.
Steven Reis
Bay City
