What if tomorrow doesn't come?
By ladyluna
@ladyluna (7004)
United States
July 1, 2007 6:47pm CST
Hello All,
My brother-in-law died last night, at the age of 55. He suffered what appears to be a massive stroke. There was no warning, he collapsed and died instantly. He wasn't a drinker, smoker, or drug user. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a very kind and gentle soul, who would give you the shirt off his back.
It is a very sad day for my family. But, it is also a moment of reflection. Not just to remember a loving soul, a very gifted artist, and an asset to the human race. But, to take a moment to appreciate all that is good in our own lives. And, to let those around us know how much we appreciate them.
I share this as a gentle reminder to us all. Have you kissed your spouse today, and told him or her that you love them? Have you hugged your children, and told them how blessed you are to have them in your life? Have you called your brother or sister to just say "Hello"? It's a good habit to get into, because sometimes tomorrow doesn't come.
8 people like this
10 responses
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
2 Jul 07
Hello my lady, I am always bad with words so I don't know how to console a person or extend appropriate "sympathy".
Not sure if you are close to your brother-in-law but a life is a life and I can understand if you grieve at his passing.
What if tomorrow never comes? It doesn't really matter. Tomorrow is tomorrow and we cannot bend time.
You take care.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Jul 07
Hello Lordwarwizard,
Thank you for stopping by to express your concern. It is greatly appreciated. It's never easy to find the right words to console another, at a time of deep sorrow. So, please know that your actions speak louder than your words. The fact that you stopped by speaks volumes.
My brother-in-law was more like my own flesh and blood than a relation by marriage. He and my sister were married when I was only 12 years old. So, he was an important figure for 3/4 of my life.
Your absolutely right -- we cannot bend time. Which is why I believe it is so important to cherish this day and each new day. There are so many little things that bring a smile to our faces, or a feeling of warmth to our hearts. These are the things that make life so precious.
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
2 Jul 07
My lady, then think of the wonderful memories you shared. I am sure he would want to see you happy and moving on in your life. ;)
2 people like this
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
4 Jul 07
What can I say other than offer my condolence? Life is indeed unpredictable, so I cherish all I have daily. I do not take my family and friends for granted. What if tomorrow does not come? I am trained to be prepared for it after leaving my primary school. My teacher said this "Do not wait till tomorrow to be wise for tomorrow's sun may never rise".
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
4 Jul 07
Wow, Whyaskq!
I certainly hope that you've made the opportunity to let that fabulous teacher know how deeply he or she affected your life. That is if he or she is still living. Your teacher was a very wise soul indeed! I've had a few of those myself. And, greatly appreciate their wisdom, as I've incorporated it into my own life lessons.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I imagine every 'great' teacher out there appreciates hearing stories like this.
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
2 Jul 07
i'm so sorry to hear about your loss... my condolences goes to you... yes you are right... we have to learn to appreciate the people that we love while we can and they are still there with us... we never know how long we will live and when God will call us back... thanks again for the reminder to do lovely things to our loved ones while we still can...
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
4 Jul 07
Hello Sigma,
I'm glad that my message did not fall on deaf ears. I sense from our interaction that you make a concerted effort to remain connected to what is, and what may be. I have no doubt that you consider your blessings frequently. It is a very fine habit to develop!
Speaking of blessings, how did the move go? I hope well. And, considering how tired you must be, I really appreciate you stopping by to share your thoughts on this post. Thanks so much!
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
2 Jul 07
I am so sorry to hear the sad news of your brother-in-law.
Thanks for your mentioning about all of those greetings that look small, but very important in our daily life. It is indeed a very good habit to get into.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Jul 07
Hello Williamjisir,
Your welcome for the reminder to let our loved ones know how much we cherish them. Those little reminders are so precious. Knowing that we've made that little effort makes difficult times, like this, much easier to bear.
Thank you for your kind words and condolensces.
@milestalker (85)
• Philippines
2 Jul 07
That was so sad. I treasure every minute,seconds or hour in my life. I spend so much with my family and friends. I show them the best love i can give to them coz i know that we cant turn back the time. I never had day without showing them the true love i have for them. I am single but i'm happy that i have friends, family and loveones. They are clock in my life and by the time my clock stop...atleast i spend the time loving them.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Jul 07
Hello Milestalker,
Welcome to MyLot, and thank you for sharing your deep appreciation of your family and friends. You're right, we cannot turn back the clock. So, loving them today, and each new day, gives us the opportunity to experience life to its fullest. I wish for you many years of happiness with the ones dearest to your heart.
@lisagayle (393)
• United States
1 Jul 07
I am sorry for your family's loss. My sympathies to you all. As far as this kind of thing goes, I tell my family each and every time we are going o be apart, that I love the, and before going to bed at night. I lost my mom when I was nine, and I still feel to this very day, that I did not tell her enough that I loved her.
1 person likes this
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
2 Jul 07
Oh luna, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. My condolence to you and family. I hope you are bearing up well under these circumstances.
I had personally experienced two sudden demise in the circle of my family. It was like they were fine yesterday and nobody had any idea that tomorrow they will left us forever.
Life is indeed too short for us. I have long ago stopped thinking about tomorrow. I do not know how it is to live today as it is the last day of our life. I let my guiding spirit lead me to where I should go. There are so many things I needed to say out loud or do. But I still can't seems to bring myself to do it. I hope I can have the strength to do so before it is too late.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Jul 07
Hello Charms,
I'm sorry to learn of the sudden passing of two of your loved ones. Losing one so dear is such a terrible loss, but losing more than one so close together, is a very heavy burden to bear.
I imagine that your two beautiful girls help to ease that heavy burden. I know how much you love them. And, have no doubt that you tell them so each day. Not only with your words, but in your actions and deeds as well.
I wish for us all the ability to carry a little piece of our loved ones deep within our hearts. To appreciate them in good times and bad. So that when the circle of life closes, we will have the strength to carry on.
@vampoet (825)
• Singapore
1 Jul 07
It is often easier said then done. I mean, after a long time of going through the daily grind of life and ignoring each other, to suddenly turn and be all sunshiny to your loved ones, although to be encouraged, may come across as a little peculiar. In fact, try it and people might think that you might be dying or just lost it...:p
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Jul 07
Hello Vampoet,
Yes, some relationships can be much more of a challenge than others. And, some people do not express their affection with ease.
Yet, I can share with you that expressing our appreciation or affection is a learned behaviour. And, it is one that brings deep rewards to all parties.
The loss of a loved one, with whom we have not shared our affections, often brings much deeper sorrow, and very painful regrets.
So, I hope your present and future relationships aid you in developing an ease about expressing yourself. Those little acts of kindness make life so much more precious.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this very difficult issue.
@channel88 (5)
• China
8 Aug 07
Your words reminded me of a movie called THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW .Not only the people acting as parents,but also the children should make use of today.By the way,my parents have reached middle age .I hope my parents could enjoy life instead of always working hard from now on .
