At the End of the Day

Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes.

Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.

—Rumi

Last month, my aunt passed away. I had been meaning to call her and kept putting it off. I never made that call.

But in all of the sadness, when you’re feeling that your heart is empty, and lacking,

You’ve got to remember that grief isn’t the absence of love.

Grief is the proof that love is still there.

— Tessa Shaffer

Late last year, my uncle also passed away. I was not able to visit and there was no way I could call him as he was off the grid - no phone and no internet. Plus he lived in another country.

Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.

—Robert Louis Stevenson

I wish that I could have seen them at least one more time and be able to say good bye but it was not meant to be. What remained in my mind was how each spent the last few days of their lives.

My aunt was surrounded by her family, they visited often and ensured that they showed her love and their appreciation. She was part of the family and knew the role she played in their lives. She was never alone or lonely.

My uncle was alone. He lived alone and when he passed, he was alone. No one knew that he had died until it was noticed that he was not seen for a few days. That's a sad way to live the last few days of your life... Not missed, no family, not a single soul with you.

As our family circle decreases and the older generation move on to the next chapter, it makes me think more and more about life, how we are all connected and being part of that family circle.

Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity.

—Terri Guillemets

I encourage each and every one to make that effort and find the time to reach out to your love ones while they are still with you. Don't wait until they are gone as it is too late then.

Light a candle in memory of your loved one...🕯️

Find comfort...🕊️

You can miss places. You can miss people.

Just know that what you’re really missing is the way things were. And even if you could go there again…. see them again…. you can’t go back.

They’re not the same.

You’re not the same.

The loss of them changed you.

— Ranata Suzuki

Dare to Be

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.

When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.

When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.

When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.

When times are tough, dare to be tougher.

When love hurts you, dare to love again.

When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.

When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.

When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.

When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.

When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.

When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.

Dare to be the best you can –

At all times, Dare to be!

— Steve Maraboli

Take good care...