Perhaps I'm still dealing with the grief from the loss of my mother-in-law, but I can't help thinking about the grief and losses to come in the future. I've been married for 28 years, well over half my life, and I can't really fathom--let alone prepare myself for--the heartaches ahead.I still have the fortune of having a happy, healthy mother in my life. She's 70 now. She may have decades ahead, but I know--barring my death coming first--that it's coming. And so is the devastation such loss brings.
My wonderful wife has a few years on me, but with average lifespans being what they are, it's an even bet which of us will have to endure that unbearable sorrow. My selfish half wants to pass first and avoid what will likely be the most devastating period of my lifetime. My selfless half wishes the opposite to spare my wife from that very same thing.
And then there are my children to consider. My greatest fear has always been having to bury my son or daughter. No parent should have to endure that. I know some who have and I can't help but wonder how they find the strength to carry on.
I have grandchildren now, three wonderful boys. I hope to see them grow, graduate and have children of their own. God willing, I'll be able to do that.
I guess the point of this post is simply to say that the time to cherish--and remember--loved ones is while they're still with us, when they can can know and return that love. Time is short. Love endures. Make your time count. Exercise your love muscle so that its love will be ever stronger.
