How can I think that time is limitless?
(Photo.com)
I know it’s not. I learned this early when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at a relatively young age. I was reminded of it when I lost my two best friends to the same disease. I knew it when other’s close to me died; a cousin’s young wife, more friends and acquaintances, and too many relatives.
And, on a lighter note, I knew it when I missed that recent 30%-off-everything-in -the -store sale by a day.
Not to sound morose, but our so-called window is closing a little more every day. And although we all know it – I know it – too many times we/I don’t really honor that knowledge. We think the window will always stay propped open, blowing in the same soothing timeless breezes.
Then why wasn’t I better about staying in touch with a dear friend who passed away last week? She did a Nora Ephron-type exit, in a way. I didn’t even know she had been ill with multiple myeloma for the past year. And although we kept up by email, somehow I think (perhaps erroneously) that if I’d made an effort to see her, the truth might have been revealed. I might have had a chance to say goodbye – to realize that even she – who had not one gray hair on her head and was more energetic and vibrant than many women half her age (she was 85) – was not immortal.
But she was always there. Until she wasn’t.
I am trying to learn from this….not to put things off, fooling myself into thinking there will always be another chance.
Because sometimes -many times – there isn’t.
Sandy says
Well said! Let’s get it done today–and not miss another great sale!
SherylK says
Thanks, Sandy~ make sure to call me if you hear about a great sale, okay?
Irene S. Levine says
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so easy to fall into a procrastination mode.
SherylK says
Thanks, Irene. I appreciate it.
Brette says
You are so right. Time is fleeting.
SherylK says
Yes, it goes waaaay too fast, doesn’t it, Brette?
Lisa Froman says
I’m sorry about your friend. She inspired a beautiful, thoughtful post.
Kerry says
well said, Sheryl. Perhaps you might write a piece too on graceful ways to remind others of this, when they seem too busy to take a breath for a moment of friendship.
I’ve learned to be resigned to this while continuing to hold doors open, but still — then again, maybe a gentle reminder now and again that the door is open is the best thing to do.
Alexandra says
So true. I feel that way about my writing actually. Trying to get it done, get it published. When you hit 60, you realize you do not have unlimited time ahead of you.
Christopher James says
Yes. I agree. Get it done before it’s too late.
HeatherL says
Don’t procrastinate on the fun stuff and relationships, but it’s fine to put off work.
ruth pennebaker says
Yes, yes, yes — see your friends, enjoy yourself, try to grasp as much joy as you can while you can. We always make time for our duties, but we need to remember to have fun whenever we can.
merr says
To me, this is about living in the very moment (the present). It’s good to remember that and always nice to be reminded.
Vera Marie Badertscher says
Ouch! When I look around the house, I always see a dozen things that I’m going to get to one of these days. Really?
Jane Boursaw says
So very true. Time really is fleeting, and we need to make the most of it.