This morning, a distant friend sent me an email entitled “One Lady’s Thoughts” which contained some of those nice messages and insightful questions we often read ….”Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven’t thought about it”,… “How many women eat at home because their husband didn’t suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed?”… and then I read  a note on Twitter which said “Never leave without saying goodbye”.

Yes, I get these messages a lot and I’m sure you do, too. But once in a while they touch a special chord. I remember the times I said goodbye to people I loved, not so long ago…my sister, my mother-in-law…sometimes knowing it would be the last time and sometimes believing I had all the time in the world.

When something happens to shake your life, it generally gives you a different perspective on things — sunsets, the people around you, the laughter, the small things.

Since losing my mother-in-law last month, I have been very aware of the kindness of strangers and how people reached out to us in times of sorrow. There are some whom you’d expect to be gentle and kind, such as the wonderful hospice workers and people at the assisted living home, but there are also some lovely surprises.

When my husband’s car was giving him trouble and we needed to get it fixed in a hurry, the local mechanic fitted him in on a moment’s notice and had it ready by the end of the day. When we called business contacts to reschedule meetings, they sent cards and messages of caring. When we got together with family members, our connections were deeper and more meaningful.

So it is probably more than a coincidence that I came upon this poem this week which I wrote 10 years ago after losing my husband. It reflected upon the meaning of time and the appreciation of every moment….

SEEING

Have you ever seen a branch shaped like a pretzel?

Or noticed how moss dangles like angel hair from a tree?

Have you ever really watched the progress of a beetle

As it struggles along its path, falling topsy-turvy upside down, getting right back on its journey?

How often have you really stopped to look?

To notice how chips of seashell sparkle like silver in the sun.

To take a minute longer to watch the ocean

And notice the seals that blend in with the rocks

While everyone else scurries on past, giving a quick glance,

Taking a photo, buying a postcard, and on to the next lovely spot.

Have you ever watched a pelican as it swoops and soars over the waves

And followed its steady course into the sun until you can see it no longer?

Or listened to the sounds of life all around.

The waves smacking against the rocks, the soaring ocean sounds

The arfing of the seals, the squeal of the seagulls.

Everywhere there is a moment of life, happening every second.

The breeze, the sounds, the sights,that fill our days with

Pleasure and beauty and love.

Take a moment.

Take forever.