Memory is the sweetest flower watered by the tears of love

I snagged the title from a friend's Facebook status. And sadly those tears have been flowing more the last few days for many who are close to me.

A very dear friend of mine, Susan, who I took shag dance lessons from back in 2001 is soon to be a widow. She and her husband, Tommy, are a second family to me since I have moved up to the Carolinas. Susan jokes that I am a step mom to their dog Jake. Tommy is a fairly quiet man who loves to have a good time. He can tell stories that will make you laugh. And there is always an introduction of the characters, who are real, before he gets too into the tale. Usually they include friends by the name of Goat, Ernest, Dead Eddie (who isn't dead) and Big Eddie (who is dead now) just to name a few of the "characters". He loved the game of golf, his Duke Blue Devils, shag dancing, racing, and spending time with friends. Tonight while he was in his bed and alert for a short time to eat a popsicle, we told him we put a Carolina tshirt on him. He was quick to check (well, as quick as he is now) that we were giving him a hard time. He and Susan have been together for 11 years and married for the past 6 (I belive). But if you watch them and how they tell stories, you would think it has been a lifetime.

Cirrhosis is not a forgiving condition. Thankfully it does not appear to be one to cause physical pain at its end, at least not for the person it directly has impacted. But to those who watch, it is excruiating. The human body is amazing and is forgiving on many counts but eventually it does get to where it cannot repair everything. Yet we often treat it as though nothing can cause it to fail, how wrong we are.

When that time does come, memories are what keep us alive. Celebrations of life are important. If we could only be present at our own service to hear what others remember and share about the footprints we appear to have left behind. Unfortunately, once they are gone, it is too late for them to know the impact they have made on us. Hopefully the memories are joyful and can make you smile, even if there are tears. And even though the person is not able to physically able to be with us anymore to hold, hug, and talk with. We always carry them with us in our hearts. Obviously accepting only memories is much easier said that done.

Hug those close to you and never miss an opportunity to tell them you love them and how much they mean to you.

Paalom!!
Lots of hugs, smiles, and sunshine!