Taking time to put something into perspective

[RBSinTo]

One of my oldest friends (we met when I was 12) died yesterday evening, after a year long battle with stage four lung cancer complicated by a severe stroke suffered a couple of months ago. And while we all knew that this outcome was inevitable, when we learned the news, the effect was still stunning.
Because of his family's decision we weren't able to visit him for many months, so I never got to see my old buddy, and tell him that I loved him.
Something I left until it was too late.
Which has caused me to think about those people in my life that I love, and not just because of family ties, but instead because they became by circumstances, dear to me.
And I intend to reach out to them, and let them know how I feel, and what they've meant to me.
Something to think about.
RBSinTo

 

[GGJaguar]

Because tomorrow might be too late.

 

[Rocky]

Sorry for your loss. It's important to tell your loved ones what they mean to you when you can, if you can.

 

[walrus]

My condolences, RBS...

walrus

 

[5thumbs]

Was down that very same road recently. My friend's death was more sudden, but equally painful.

20/20 hindsight is a curse.

 

[Opsimath]

I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. You can still tell him how much he meant to you. I believe he will hear you.

My sincerest condolences.

 

[F30]

So sorry to hear this news. I'm undergoing several surgeries (6) to be around for my Wife and Kids and the mist of my surgeries my younger brother had to have a quadruple bypass surgery - which came as a shock to the whole family. He's doing great so far and I'm hanging in there. Reflection is so important - Take care of yourself, let those around you know how much you care, stay positive and be thankful for all the things so many take for granted.
Thanks for sharing this RBSinTo.
We all needed this.

 

[Minnesota Flats]

Yeah, thank

It's important to tell your loved ones what they mean to you when you can, if you can.

Sure am glad I was able to do that with both of my parents. I was able to tell each of them that I loved them and that I appreciated what great parents they had been.

Another thought: my dad was already disabled when my mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I think she was clinging to life despite her misery because she felt she needed to take care of him. I told her that when she felt her time had come, she should feel free to let go, because she could rest easy that we would take care of him. That seemed to lift a huge burden from her shoulders and we did, in fact, make good on our promise.

Sometimes, when people are dying, nobody around them wants to talk about "the elephant in the room". Unfortunately, and perhaps ironically, this can make the terminal person feel even more isolated, though they may be surrounded by people who mean well. In my experience, it's better to let them talk about the inevitability of it all if they want to, as opposed trying to avoid the subject or put a "happy face" on it.

Just my 2¢...

 

[Stagefright]

I lost my Brother three weeks ago to complications associated with decreased heart function. i was with him at the rehab center on the morning of his passing and left with hope that he would recover well enough to go home. He passed within minutes of me leaving. I’ve been told by many that I should be thankful that I had the chance to visit. Unfortunately, the timing of the visit doesn’t make things any easier.

I think the human mind does its best to protect itself from bad situations. Wanting to go back in time to change things seems to be common. The reality is that the only thing we can control is the present. Don’t beat yourself up over the loss of your friend. Celebrate the good times you had and do your best to make new friends every day.