"Life is too short. We have to make every moment count."
"You never know when something unexpected is going to happen."
Last night I was volunteering at my local library friends' bookstore like I am on most Thursdays. Kathy was waiting for me there. She was sorting the youth books and putting new ones on the shelves.
Suddenly she asked me if I knew Mr. L at the local school district? I sort of vaguely remembered him at my daughter's school in K and first grade. Kathy explained that he had suddenly died that morning. He was still teaching. His death was a total surprise. Everyone that knew him was shaken.
Another friend stopped by and chatted about Mr. L. If you were lucky enough to have worked with him, you knew that Mr. L was special. I heard this many times last night. He will be missed. I kept wondering about his students. Wondering how they are. Hoping that they are taken care of.
When our friend left, she turned around at the doorway and said: "If this is it for me, I am so glad I saw you both today."
When Kathy and I closed the store at seven p.m. and walked to our cars, we said our goodbyes and promised to see each other again next Thursday.
I wonder how much we were each thinking about all the things that could happen between now and next Thursday?
What a special friendship you share.
ReplyDeleteAt our school, we lost a first grade teacher suddenly a few years back. It's very difficult to get through the experience with students. Let us be grateful for the moments we spend with them.
Thanks for sharing.
I am lucky/blessed to have these people in my life!
DeleteIt's so true. Every moment is precious.
ReplyDeleteSad. Your quotes at the beginning are good reminders to think what we say and do.
ReplyDeleteSo true Terje!
DeleteMake each day count - Mr. L. certainly seems to have lived his life this way.
ReplyDeleteHe truly did.
DeleteOne of our teachers lost her husband right before Christmas. He had come home for lunch, and she had gone out. She found him in the bathroom when she returned. It ate at my heart for such a long time, because you really don't know how much time we have here on earth.
ReplyDeleteIt is always so sad. I think it is also hard when it is so sudden. Goodbyes are important.
DeleteSad for all of you, and I'm glad you gave extra thoughts for the children. It would be so hard for them. We do need to live each day thought-filled. Thanks Jaana, hugs to you and your friend.
ReplyDeleteLiving each day--great advice.
DeleteYes, we need to remember the "I appreciate yous", "I love yous", and "goodbyes"...we really never know when it may be the last one...or the one that was especially encouraging, most needed. It is sad that it often takes a sudden loss to remind us, and somehow it still loses urgency as time passes. I want to take every opportunity to say these words...
ReplyDeleteAll the things that could happen between now and next Tuesday... that really sent a chill up my spine. It reminds me of the fragility of life. We really cannot take any moment for granted, now can we?
ReplyDeleteAppreciate life and those around us. Great lesson.
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