A few week ago, I watched a video shared on Facebook by Kathryn Paterson (watch for her new book -- I don't know when, but just google her every now and then [and, yes, this is a plug for KP]) -- images of surprise family reunions of U.S. soldiers and their families. If only my ophthalmologist, who recently treated me for an extra-severe case of dry eye, could have seen the tears flow! They were so flushed out that day that I thought (briefly) of foregoing the evening's eye-wash ritual. The images themselves not only evoked the tears, but thoughts of how easily we (yes, all of us), take for granted the folks in our lives who mean (or so we say) so much to us.
Similar thoughts came to me on September 11, 2001, when 2,995+ people arrived for work, appointments or errands, at the World Trade Center in New York, for the last time in their lives. I know of no official count that takes into consideration those who perished sometime thereafter, with the events of that date being the proximate cause of their demise. My thoughts then, and the ones that continue to haunt me, not only about that situation, but those happening everyday are unanswered questions: What if? Did they? Why?
What if a hug was offered that morning and rejected?
What if an apology was tendered and not accepted?
Did they resolve that conflict and depart in peace?
Why didn't he/she/they try one more time?
Why is it so easy for us to tend to the inconsequential while we allow some of the most important aspects of our lives -- our relationships with others -- to languish? Who/what do you blow off while making sure your nails, hair and/or makeup are flawless? Or while you find just the right tie, shirt or cologne? Or who did you disappoint and keep waiting while you had one more drink? To whom did you utter empty words of endearment just to have your way with him or her?
There is no need for a soapbox speech or sermon here. One would hope that any marginally thinking person of the least modicum of discernment would have had a light-coming-on experience if having read to this point. So, how about it folks? Do you have a relationship in need of repair? Attention? Nurturing? Resurrecting? How much time do you think you have to start working on it?
What if . . . ?
Did you . . . ?
Why . . . .?
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