Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Tomorrow Is Not A Guarantee

When we get a pet, we always hope they live a long, healthy, fun and safe life with us. Then when old age sets in and the time has come, we will say our heartfelt goodbyes as they leave us with the last breath they take. Our last embrace. It doesn't always happen like that though. We are all on borrowed time. We can lose a pet or a loved one in the prime of their lives from an accident or sudden illness.

If you knew it would be the last time your pet nudges you for some attention, a belly rub, a pat on the head, a toss of a ball, would you still not be in the mood because you have more important things to do, or would you take that time to make more memories? If you knew it would be the last time you wake up to a pair of soulful eyes staring at you, or a soft purr or a quiet bark, would you start your day rather irritated at the animals who meant the world to you; because they chewed or damaged something of importance? Or would you be thankful, they are here and healthy, and alive?

Tomorrow you may be saying goodbye to them. With the finality of never having the chance of saying, "I'm sorry", "I love you", or "goodbye" again. If you knew it would be the last time your pet would be welcoming you home at the door, would you still get angry when she runs off in some area of your yard trying to entice you to play a game of chase? Would you still ignore her, or scold her for not coming when called; because you are tired and had a hard day at work today? Or would you take that few minutes to return the favor, and show her how happy you are to see her too?

If you knew it would be the last time you see your children fall asleep, would you tuck them in more tightly, and read that story to them one more time, the same one they now have memorized word from word? If you knew it would be the last time you will see your loved one walk out the door, would you give him an extra hug and kiss and tell him how much you care? If you knew it would be the last time you would talk with your loved one, would you stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming they already know? If you knew it would be the last time that you would sit and talk about your day, would you take the time to share and listen, and not put off until tomorrow, things that need to be said or done today?

You may not get tomorrow, you may not get that second chance. Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you," "I love you" or "It's okay.

Love and cherish your Friends, Family, and Pets as if today will be your last day together. Sadly, sometimes it takes a tragedy to occur before people realize what they had and to appreciate what they have before they are taken from you.

Tomorrow is not a guarantee, live for today.

31 comments:

Betty said...

Wow, what thoughts your post invokes! I can truly relate to what you are saying; and, you say it so very well! I'm off to tell a whole bunch of folks that I love them, including YOU! Thanks for the timely reminder.

Jan said...

Sadly I learned that lesson at age 16 when the last words I spoke to my mother were that of a typical 16year old. I have thought of that moment for the rest of my life and still can't figure out a way to take those words back. Your post was thought provoking and beautiful.

Rae said...

Beautifully written and well said. We would all do well to learn from this and make sure we prioritize our relationships and those that are important to us.

Dog_geek said...

A good reminder... something we all need to be reminded of frequently.

Life With Dogs said...

Brilliant message - if only more would get it. :)

Andrea said...

What a beautiful, well written post! And such true sentiments...as soon as I finished reading it I gave Sophie a hug and Elora a cuddle. :)

RoeH said...

So true this is. I've said many words I wish I could take back. What a hard time life can give us sometimes.

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

Thanks, T. One of my priorities is not to take anything for granted and to be grateful for the littlest things. learned the hard way, more than once.

It's always good ot get a heads up, though.

You may not have gotten the chance to throw that ball one more time, but something tells me there is no doubt in anyone's mind (including the 4 leggeds, maybe most of all the 4 leggeds,) with whom you are close, that they are loved and appreciated.

Now go give Jarie,B, Bandit and mr. T a hug, you'll feel better and so won't they.

♥Caroline♥ said...

so very true T. thanks for reminding all of us how precious life is.

Jan Mader said...

How true. I'm writing through tears...the week before Kelly died, something told me to stay home. Instead of going to the barn to ride I held Kelly.

Instead of my usual routine, I brushed Kelly...he loved to be groomed.

I can't tell you how grateful I am for the last seven days that I spent with my plucky little guy. I have no regrets about that...only joy.

I picked up Kelly's ashes today. It wasn't easy, but my boy is home...

Laura said...

Beautifully said - thank you!

Unknown said...

Absolutely and positively. None of us know if we will wake in the morning so today, right now, this very minute is all we have. I am happy that the world has a special soul like you.

DayPhoto said...

I too am happy I have a special friend like you!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Phyllis said...

You are 100% correct. I've been much more mindful ever since 9/11.

I'm so glad I gave my Harley lots of extra attention every single day due to his age. I knew he didn't have many years left, but sure didn't expect him to suddenly have to cross the Bridge.

Daisy said...

You are so right! Thank you for reminding us never to take tomorrow with those we love for granted.

Dana said...

What a beauitful post T.:)

Rae said...

Please stop by my blog. I have an award to give you.

Unknown said...

Each and every day of our lives should be spent as if they are lined in gold, especially when the best of the best of our young men and women are overseas spilling their blood for our right to live in America. Great post!

Carolina said...

So true!

Unknown said...

I lOVE the sentiment of your post. Before Norwood was my beloved Snoopie. He lived with congestive heart failure for 2 years. We had some close calls until I knew it was it. We called him the rubber band man b/c he always bounced back. Those years were special to me b/c I didn't take a single day with him for granted.. and you see from Norwood's blog it has carried over to him too.

Oh.. he flipped upside down for you! I think it's a hint.
Norwood

Andrea said...

Beautiful. Having almost lost Buster to cancer I try to never take one moment for granted. Thanks for the reminder, though.

troutbirder said...

Indeed

Jane said...

Very well written!

Jane

elsieflynn said...

love ya, t...
off to hug dylan now

Anonymous said...

having gone thru canine surgery recently.. well said.. .we all need that reminder... sit down and ride.. all there is is now
blessings
gp

Jan Mader said...

I just read your comment on my blog, T, and it made me think of something.

Almost every summer, I foster a litter of kittens...usually only hours old.

Because of Kelly's behavior, I always found homes for each kitten. The other two dogs were fine and I let them in the room where I kept the kittens (when I bottle fed and pottied them).

I think I'll sit back and wait a bit. If this summer is like most others, I'll have a litter. The only difference will be that I won't have to find as many homes!

Unknown said...

Oh T
I'm glad you think I'm unique! I had alot of fun at the dogfest.
Norwood

Life With Dogs said...

This could not be more true, and that's why our dogs have the royal treatment every day! :)

Lisa said...

UUmmm...strange we think alike. I just wrote a post about my fathers illness and how he reacted to hearing the news...how we all reacted and the things I am grateful for. Love is Love and that is that....It is what it is.

Beautiful post "T"

Unknown said...

Hi T
Any news on Jeni! Is she doing any better?
Can you believe I was sitting so nice and calm? That's how I earn my meal. The only other time is when I'm asleep...
Norwood

Susan English Mason said...

I have been visiting and reading posts. Congrats on the Pop Tart Award from Fireblossom.