Today is my only day

This year I’ve lost 3 individuals who’ve left a hole in my life.

Earlier this year a man I’ve admired over the years passed unexpectedly. He was a former professional football player, I watched him play for the Chicago Bears as a very young boy. I was fortunate to meet him twice, too. I was his emcee at a local fundraiser in 2010 and though I had just met him he treated me as if we were lifelong friends. He even took a picture with my dad and other family members and signed it wishing my dad a very happy 86th birthday. He was larger than life and this year his life abruptly ended. He left quite a mark on those who were privileged to meet him. I know this.

And then almost as unexpectedly, my mother in law passed. Also in her eighties, she was often ill but her personality always showed she could and would prevail. She was her family’s matriarch. At her funeral, several grand kids all reminisced about her impact on each and everyone of them. It was a glowing and fitting tribute. To me her passing seemed also unreal, unbelievable. I wasn’t prepared. She was though. She was tired and ready although none of us were. Another huge hole in our lives.

And then yesterday, I got word that a cousin of mine passed. An Italian raised in the south. Seeing him almost regularly in the summertime , I loved hearing his “yes ma’am” responses to my mom and aunts. He had been suffering this year from a form of cancer. And yet, despite the disease he let us all know he was convinced his healing peace would soon be reached. He continued to post uplifting thoughts on Facebook. The last post he made, at least the one I read, was made 2 days before he passed. He had re-posted a tribute to women and his last comment was that “They should all be treated as the queens they are.” That last message was a good reminder. And another huge hole left.

I knew better but I took it for granted they would all live on.
And now they’re gone.

Its cliche, but life IS short.
What’s important? What really isn’t?
I can’t answer for you. Only for me.

So today, I want to focus only on what matters. Really matters.
Today is all I have.
No yesterdays, no tomorrows.
Today is my only day.

For Doug, Jean, and Curtis.
Thank you for the reminder.
No more wasting time..

(missing you…
Say hello to my dad)

JT
what’s going on?

Responses to “Today is my only day”

  1. Paula Girardi Shuff

    John

    What a wonderful tribute!

    Paula

    1. Reachingresolutionsblog@gmail.com

      thanks Paula.
      It’s true but I seem to always need a stark reminder. All we have is today. Tomorrow may not come, yesterday is forever gone.

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