When our loved ones transition from this life, regardless of color, age or religious affiliation, the family is usually overwhelmed with gifts of gorgeous flower arrangements. While the flowers are beautiful, just the thought is heartwarming when the gesture is sincere. As human beings, we need to give others their flowers while they are living. We should allow those we love to admire the flowers beauty, smell their sweet fragrance and feel their soft petals. While flowers are widely given, it is a form of expression that shows the people in your life that you love, appreciate, honor and cherish themwhile they’re still living. For the most part, we all desire human connection and to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
While I have heard the expression countless times, I am guilty of taking my loved ones life and presence for granted. In hindsight, I wish that I could turn back the hands of time. Yet, in life, there is no rewind.COVID-19has heightened my awareness and urged me to stop taking my loved ones for granted. And it’s taken a pandemic, being still, and the wisdom whichcomes with age to arrive at thisconclusion. Now that I am cognizant, I am making strides to make amends. It is my objective to appreciate the valuable relationships that I’ve failed to nurture in their fullness. Living with regret is not achapterIwant told within my story.
Due to the mortality rate and transmission of COVID-19, families are being forced to bury their loved ones without a traditional funeral/memorial service.I cannoteven begin to imagine how traumatic it is to not only lose a loved one, but not be able to say your final goodbyes and be in the company of family and friends. While death isinevitable, it doesn’t negate thegrieving process. I’ve attended a few funerals in my lifetime and most of them were to pay my respects. How do you pay your respect if there isn’t a home going service? For some, it’s the love and support they receive from othersthat aids them in thegrieving process.
In no way am I saying to stop giving flowers to the loved ones who have transitioned from this life. Yet, I am urging you to take the time to check on, support, love,honorand cherish your family and friends while you still have the chance.If nothing more than to say, “I am grateful that you are a part of my life”.A phone call costs nothing and a card with a heartfelt message will brighten anyone’s day. Take nothing for granted. COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire. Peopleare here one minute and gone the next.People are dying all alone. It would be nice for them to be able to cherish the great times and memories you created together! Even though you are not physically present, the mere thought of you would put a smile on their face.
While on the phone, don’t be so quick to rush off. Incorporate some form of video chat into your calls while we are practicing social distancing (Facetime, Zoom, and Marco Polo etc). Send flowers, have groceries delivered, and/or send money via CashApp, Venmo, Zelle etc.Make sure you tell your loved ones you love them every day.Strive to be alight in the midst of darkness, disease, hopelessness, depression, and despair!Strive to love on one another each and every time you are given the opportunity.We never know when God will call our number.All you have is now, yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised.
