In Memory of a Loved One

Though she wasn’t related to me by blood, she was family to me. Cheryl was my sister’s mother-in-law, but she made an impact on me the first time I met her. My sister had been pregnant and we drove into the hospital together, which was almost two hours away. We stood together as my niece, her grandbaby, was born almost five years ago. She held me in my arms and we cried together at the beauty of a new life.

Every time I saw her, she was smiling, even if she didn’t feel like it. I hope that I can remember to be like that to others, to always make them feel special, important and welcome.

Today we celebrated Cheryl’s life as we mourn her death. Only 58 years old, she died of a brain hemorrhage. Though we all know death is going to happen one day, it hurts when it does, especially so unexpectedly. I lost another friend unexpectedly only three months ago, and these events make you realize how short life is and how important family is.

So please, don’t take your family for granted. Whether you will be remembering them or they will be remembering you, make each moment memorable. When you say good-bye for the day, say it with love. Don’t leave each other in anger. It could be your last moment together.

I know, I know, we all know this and we don’t need the lectures, but still. I know I take my loved ones for granted, thinking I’ll see them again. Thinking I can right the wrongs later. Not everyone can get along all the time, but minor problems and disagreements don’t matter when life ends.