Recently a family member in her late 80’s had the rare opportunity to meet with her best friend who is a couple years older. One is almost blind, the other struggles to walk or stand without assistance and they live in different parts of the state. It’s age, infirmity and distance that has kept them apart for at least two years and truth be told, they both had resigned themselves to a friendship limited to weekly telephone calls and never seeing each other in person again.
Previous plans by family members to get them together have been thwarted by COVID, work, weather, and health issues and yet, somehow, these two old gals found a way to be able to hug each other and to laugh themselves silly as they relived their younger years and their shared memories. It was a blessing that was nearly missed and while it may be the last time they are physically together, it surely isn’t the end of their friendship.
Seeing how happy the visit made my family member, I couldn’t help but wonder how many such blessings have been missed in my own life. How many times did work or my own personal priorities get in the way of such a tender moment for me? Although it hasn’t happened to me at this point, how many of us missed out on an opportunity to share one last laugh with someone who meant the world to us? How many have let someone go without having the ability to offer a warm and lingering hug, or say one more goodbye, or say one more “I love you”?
Our world is full of blessings, some small and others life changing and yet, in this topsy-turvy world we are surrounded by, things that looking back seem trivial often get in the way leading to regrets and what if’s.
Those two women, knowing their time here on earth is counting down, had a chance they weren’t expecting and as inconvenient as it was to get two old ladies together again, it meant the world to them.
Was it the last time? Only time will tell, but their story is a lesson we should all learn from. Never miss a blessing because you are too busy or it’s inconvenient. It may be the last chance you have.
Be well my friends….
BAL
Author Barbara A. Luker 