We say it all the time – life is short. But until the moment strikes, I’m not sure that we truly acknowledge that. We think that we have time. We think that we will do tomorrow what we think of today. Don’t be foolish.
My forever friend has been in the hospital for five weeks. She is the one I could count on in good times and bad. She is the friend who was there for me whether I succeeded or failed. She is the one who helped me to believe when I’d lost all faith. She is the person who taught me what true friendship is, for better or worse.
Truth is, I cannot imagine life without her – but I know there will come a time when I will be forced to accept our mortality. But I’m not there right now. I’m not ready. And if she could speak to me right now, I know that she would proclaim that she isn’t ready either. We have so much to say and so much to do. We have a future to share and memories to make. Or has that day come when what we’ve shared is what is to be remembered?
My heart is broken, yet I will keep the faith. Sadness consumes me and the tears fall, not quite sure when the floodgates that opened will stop. The pain is sharp and acute. I’m not sure what to do – so I will sit with it. And channel every wish and prayer that she will be here with us again soon.
Though reality speaks loudly to me, I can still cling to the hope. Without that, what do any of us have?
If you are putting off today what can be done tomorrow – DON’T. We may not have tomorrow. Tomorrow may be today. Make it happen. I did – and I am so glad that I did because though I am sad and suffering, I have no regrets. My exact words have come back to haunt and remind me: “Who knows how long we have?”
Grateful. Hurting. Hopeful. Don’t wait. Tomorrow is today.
