Wednesday, June 9, 2010

LOST PEOPLE AND PLACES





We tell ourselves we must go to see Mary or we must write to Paul or we must call John on the phone. Our intentions are good, but many times we get busy with our own lives and never get around to contacting our old friends or relatives. Time flies by and one day you realize it is too late to talk to them anymore. You missed it. You missed days, months, even years of enjoyment interacting with these people. Why is this? Why do we choose to live with regret and a sense of loss and rue the fact that we didn't keep close to those loved ones?
I'm sure all of you can relate to this feeling, whether young or old. Some folks we would just as soon not see anymore, but then there are the precious ones that we enjoyed but thought we had forever to see. I miss Paul, my brother who could make the fun out of anything. He lived near Chicago. Not that far from us. But visits were few and far between. When I was young and romping through college, I had such a hard time to just go home to visit with my mom even on Mother's Day! She died when I was 23. We take people for granted and do not cultivate our gardens of loved ones.
Whenever we went on a road trip somewhere, there would always be places of special attraction such as a horse farm in Kentucky or the Grand Canyon in Arizona or the Chicoteaque horses in Virginia. These are just a few of the places that we were close to, or right there but Bill who had a penchant for "making time" would pass up and say that we would go there when we came back some day. Well, some day never came and we never went back except to the horse farm. We were as close as Lexington, Flagstaff, and (I need a map) for the island. So my daughter learned from this and when she takes a road trip, she looks up all the points of interest and takes detours to find them and experience them.
So this post is about gathering rosebuds while ye may or making hay while the sun shines. I hope you all will pay attention and write to that old friend today and don't skip the special things there are to see as you travel. The motel will be there when you get there and maybe the light will even be on for you!

18 comments:

Bernie said...

Bernie what a wonderful post and a wonderful reminder of what most of us.....put off until tomorrow..and sometimes tomorrow never comes.

I learned this lesson many years ago, and I am sure you are happy that Julie has as well. We do live in a beautiful world and at times we do need maps or take back roads to see all the beauty but one thing I do know.....the beauty definitely is there.....:-) Hugs

Lin said...

This touched home and put a tear in my eyes, Bernie. I needed this jump start... all of what you've said is so very true! And yes, it is time to check in and check up on a couple of loved ones. Thank you...

Deb Shucka said...

Thank you for this touching reminder that the only moment we really have is now and we need to spend it doing what our hearts ask.

Wanda..... said...

You're right Bernie...it is better to act now...enjoy and appreciate life, family, and friends...do it, feel it, say it and show it! That way...no regrets!

Jules said...

What an appropriate post. I spent yesterday reuniting my grandmother and her sister, who is in the hospital. I realized this same feeling when I saw the joy on both their faces.

Thanks for the reminder... :)
Jules

yaya said...

Most of the time we regret what we haven't done, not what we did do... thanks for a great reminder! P.S..the Grand Canyon is still there, go visit if you can!

Gail said...

So true! Mother was the one who helped us keep in touch with every one. Now she is gone and it is difficult to make myself do it.

Cheryl said...

Oh Bernie you do have a way with words. I had a very dear friend who wanted to visit and I put her off, I don't even remember why now - something trivial, then she died, before she could come here and she would have loved this place. She would have loved you too. She wrote her last 3 novels in her 80s and I hope she knows how much I love her. Thanks Bernie for reminding me what's most important.

becky said...

It's true Bernie, we all get "too busy" sometimes...
though I try not to do that, and try to appreciate & spend time with those that I love. And I have to say... I am one of the few people I know that still writes real letters!
:)

Chrissie B said...

What a wonderful post, and so true! In this modern, shrinking world of ours we have no excuse for losing touch with friends or family. Thanks to social networking sites, Skype, etc I've been able to reconnect and keep in contact with three dear friends from many years ago - even though we're all scattered to the four corners of the earth. No more putting off calling or writing because "it's been so many years and we've all moved on". No more regrets or idle wondering! Thank you.

Julie Garst said...

I called an old friend today to re-connect. Thanks for the reminder to make the effort. It's always worth it.

Michelle Wells Grant said...

What a great reminder for all of us! My late father always used to tell us to stop and smell the roses.
I hope you're well and mending, Bernie!

Barb said...

Great reminder, Bernie, to stay in touch and be mindful of what is around us.

Jewel said...

what a true reminder. i have lived the lesson of putting off until it is to late. it is certainly good to be given a reminder to not put off calling or writing that person you wish to connect with.

The Weaver of Grass said...

You never said a truer word, Bernie - it is no good leaving these things until it is too late. I have a little plaque on my wall - it was given to me by my first husband (who died in 1991) instead of a birthday card one year. It says - a moment enjoyed is never wasted.

ruthibel said...

oh Bernie, this was a wonderful, timely post.

Carpe diem. Seize the moment!! This speaks so accurately to my own situation that I'm now inspired to reconnect with those friends who are not so old yet - I've only been missing for months, but there is still time.

Joey said...

I learned my lesson a few years ago.

Your post drives the point in beautifully. You are such an inspiration and joy to me. You're so forthright in your writing.

You have shared so much with us... please... keep on, because I love to learn from you.

You are as delightful as a bowl of ice cream with whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

Joey

Glenn Raymond said...

Bernie,

Oh boy, can I ever relate. I is good to know I am not the only one who does this. I love your blog. You are a very good writer. Keep up the great work.

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