I think we all take ‘something’ for granted, whether it’s heat in the winter, or that the television will turn on when we hit the power button, we’ll have food in the fridge when we open the door, and yes sometimes we even take friendships for granted. We just know that those people will always be there. Sometimes we get busy with what we want to do and get involved with the ‘me’ outlook. “I need to get this done”, “I want to work on this”, “I have to go there” that when there is a friend in need and calling out for help or comfort, we just know they’ll forgive us and everything will be fine….so we don’t take those 15 minutes to drop everything to lend an ear or a shoulder because they are old friends and will understand.
I got a letter from a dear friend of mine recently, her mom was diagnosed with luekemia, given 3-6 months to live. She took her mom to spend a few days on the beach and when they returned she passed away. That got me thinking about all of this, how much and how often we take each other for granted, assuming “they’ll be there tomorrow, I want to do this right now!”
In June 2001 I was diagnosed with Cancer and given the option of surgery or death. Very simple terms and not really much of a choice, I was very blessed to have a skilled doctor who removed every bit of it, but I live with the knowledge that any day at any moment it could come back and start growing inside of me again, trying to take my life from me. Any one of us could go at any moment…......will those 15 minutes we couldn’t spare for a friend…...be the last 15 minutes we could have had with them???
I know that I don’t ever want to have to wonder that about anyone that is near and dear to me, just some thoughts that have been going through my mind while all this crazy drama has been going on in my life.
I’ll fill you all in later about the drama, but right now I can’t get into it in public, because if the wrong person sees it before it’s time, my children are the ones who will suffer.
Sorry for the downer journal entry, but I feel better now that it is out of my system.
Thanks for for the 15 minutes, you could have used doing something else.
Neil Boucher, about 1 year ago
15 minutes well spent.
I lost my mother to cancer just recently, and have also beaten my own brush with death for the time being.
Although we feel lonely at times, there are many people in the same place. All we need to do is reach out.
You have my email address if you want to talk Rain.
Susan Trigg, about 1 year ago
Thank you for the reminder – it’s so very true! I hope your ‘crazy drama’ gets resolved soon and you can be at peace to enjoy your art, your children and your friends. Best wishes!
botanicfanatic, about 1 year ago
After losing my sister suddenly, I had similar thoughts, Rain. Who knows when anyone will go – it makes every moment count.
Sorry to hear about your drama, mate. Good luck!
Helene Kippert, about 1 year ago
What you say is so true Rain. I guess it comes down to priorities. I hope your dramas all resove themselves soon. Peace.
Etienne Farsight, about 1 year ago
I can so relate on many of the things you have said, having recently spent my time supporting family and friends through the death of my Aunt to cancer and having lived through a death defying motor cycle accident, though for a few moments I didn’t.
One learns to cherish every moment and sharing, as it could be one’s last.
Be well Rain, Best wishes,
Etienne x
Karen Cougan, about 1 year ago
Hi Rain,
Thank God life goes in cycles and what you are feeling today will pass soon…........ I can so relate to what you are saying with the 15mins also with the battle of Cancer (my dad just died from it). I think you have just given us all a gift of a nudge to take the 15mins with people who can use your time and love. Thanks so much for sharing, I wish you the 3L’s Live Love and Laugh. xkc
WitheringMoon, about 1 year ago
A very moving journal entry Rain, there is some very valuble advise in this.
Live everyday as if it’s your last, look after each other and be happy!!!!! =)
Charlie, about 1 year ago
Thank you Rain…15 minutes, 15 hours, 15 days…we need to constantly remind ourselves that we touch so many lives in what we do or so every day. My father dead of Alzheimer’s, my mother of cancer, my oldest sister of a brain tumo…and I missed all three deaths by minutes or hours!...My father was the toughest. Life is tenuous and we are not owed anything from Life. Therefore, we live for the day and to its fullest! I know you have another dear dear friend and she’s there for you, day and night. Hold on to that friendship and love. She’s awesome! The best in life and God’s peace, Rain!