Say Before It's Too Late

They say the only things in life that are certain are change, taxes and death. I'd have to agree with two of those, I mean..if I'm living on the street and jobless..exactly how are they really going to tax me?

As is my routine on mornings, I usually have the television on SportsCenter while I'm getting ready for work. This morning there were two stories that made me pause. They weren't about any sports but about two athletes dying. One was a stabbing incident (read more here) and the other was what appears to be natural causes (read more here). Both are quite tragic and I hope the families are able to make it through this dark time in their lives.

The one that really made me think was the story about the high school kid. (Maybe because as a basketball player that situation is something I've played out in my head. Hitting the game winning shot). Here he is, probably one of his proudest moments and in an instant...that moment was gone. Joy and jubilation was replaced by, what I can only imagine would be panic, concern, fear, sadness.

I know we don't know when our time or our loved ones for that matter is up and I know almost daily we hear 'Live your life to the fullest' or 'Tell your loved ones how you feel..you never know when they won't be here'. Most of my friends would say that I've certainly done the first one (some might say I've lived enough for two people) but the second one...I'd admit not so much. Yes I've told them how I feel. Tried my best to show them how much they mean but maybe not as often as I should. Can't remember the last time I've told a family member I love them. I've known my best friend for 27 years (known him longer than I've known my brothers) and to me he is a brother but it seems 'wrong' to say that to him.

Why is it easy to express feelings for things we own but freeze up when it comes to telling the people in our lives how we feel? 

Then when they are no longer with us, we lament not telling them. 

Why do we only speak of the good things a person has done when they are no longer living?

Have we become so caught up in being individuals that we forget those who are most important?

I really hope not because it is those special people that make life that much more sweeter. That big promotion at work is that more enjoyable when you can come home and share it with those you love, be it wife/gf, mother. That game winning shot is celebrated that much harder when your close friends are the ones that congratulate you.

Take the time to let these people know that they are appreciated. A simple phone call can make their day. 

Never let an opportunity pass.