Friday, March 12, 2010

No regrets

My mother's husband passed away peacefully in his sleep this week. She took great care of him and he died as they wanted, at home and at peace. While she's sad and she will miss him, she takes a lot of comfort in knowing that.

People have been calling, emailing and writing to say they're sorry. Sorry that they didn't stop by, or call more often while he was alive. Sorry that they felt too busy, too harried, too rushed to send an email or pictures. Sorry that the time went by and they didn't act.

Here's the recipe for living with no regrets. It's simple. Act. Make the call. Bake the casserole and take it to the neighbor or relative. Send a letter now. The simplest thing can bring joy to the recipient and giver.

Take a minute today to do something for someone that's been on your mind. You won't regret it.

14 comments:

Dru said...

Beautifully stated.

Mason Canyon said...

Truer words couldn't be said. We do put off things until it's too late. Thanks for the reminder.

My deepest sympathy to Mom and family.

Peggy said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. But thank you for the reminder!

signlady217 said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Terri Thayer said...

Thank you all for the lovely wishes. Much appreciated.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful thoughts, Terri--I think sometimes we DON'T act from fear of doing/saying the wrong thing--but we need to take that chance and touch base with the person who may need us to be there. Love to you and your mom. :)

Betty Hechtman said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I totally agree with your sentiment. Another point is that often people don't know what to say when someone dies, so they say nothing.

A friend of mine's daughter died within two weeks of getting pneumonia. She was 23. I felt horrible for them and knew there was nothing I could say that could put a chink in the pain they were feeling. So I sent them a card that said that, but also that I wanted them to know I was thinkinga about them.

They sent me a note saying how much my note meant. Better to be awkward than silent.

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Thank you, Terri, for reminding us to take the time to reach out to others. Please accept my condolences. Virtual hugs to you and yours.

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Thank you, Terri, for reminding us to take the time to reach out to others. Please accept my condolences. Virtual hugs to you and yours.

Terri Thayer said...

Thank you all.

Linda O. Johnston said...

My condolences, Terri. I absolutely admire and agree with your attitude. I'll definitely keep it in mind in my life and pass it along.

Monica Ferris said...

Amen.

Lynn said...

Nice post, Terri, and very true. My brother-in-law passed away recently and the cards we received, even with just one line saying people were saddened to hear of his death, have meant so much to us. I am sorry for your loss.

Terri Thayer said...

Thank you all.