Please Remind Me . . .

I had a friend who was very dear in my life, but the passing years, the physical distance and other relationships had taken precedence in priority and time. It had been many years since Barbara and I had seen each other. But this last week – there she was – in my thoughts and memories – of our trip to Italy, our exploring Machu Pichu, our women’s group gatherings… I wanted to give her a call, to let her know how much she meant to me, but I didn’t.

A week later, I received a phone call from another Colorado friend, Peg, who let me know that she had been reading the morning paper and wanted to share something with me. It was an obituary. My friend Barbara had passed away, and as she read to me the touching description of this beautiful, loving woman, I cried. I cried for the loss of an amazing person in my life and for the missed opportunity to follow the promptings to pick up the phone at a time that she may have needed it the most… I could have heard her voice one more time.

It wasn’t the first time that I missed what would have been the final time to be with, or reach out to, someone I loved. It’s what made it imperative that I make the trip, in the midst of my cancer treatments, to be with my Dad at his final hour. I was blessed to be there. I realized that I can’t prevent people from leaving this planet, but I can do my best to make sure that they know how much they are loved before they go. And I am so grateful that I still get to call my 92 year-old Mom every day to say, “I love you.”

I am making a vow to make a greater effort to keep in touch with friends and family, to pay attention to the ‘promptings’ and to pick up the phone and call. I want to live my life consciously and gratefully and that means letting people in my life know how much I love and appreciate them.

And if I forget or am being less available, please remind me. Let’s remind each other in these anxious, uncertain times, that we are not alone, that we are loved and valued. Let’s try harder to let those we care about know how much they mean to us… lest we run out of time.

I’d like to share this special photo with you. I took it while walking the beach, remembering another friend who had passed away. I keep it in view to remind me of how precious love and friendships are and how I can continue to hold these loved ones in my heart and mind.

Blessings to you and your loved ones,

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If you are looking for new ways to get closer, please consider Just Ask 1 2 3 question cards as a fun way to connect on your next zoom call. Click here…