Have you ever been to a funeral service and watched people express their feelings about their loved ones? I have on a few occasions. Over the years, I have watched people pour their hearts before family, friends, and strangers. I listened to the expressions of love, only to see them slip away in sadness and despair. Why? The speakers admitted that they should have communicated those things to the person while they were alive. Guilt, shame, and remorse encompassed the room as the bereaved emotionally reached for an absolution that would never come.
Loving words, sentimental cards, and beautiful flowers for a person who could no longer receive them. Flowers are for the living! This doesn’t only happen at funerals. It happens at the close of friendships and romantic relationships as well. Too often, after a relationship ends, we realize the things we should have said and done. “Hindsight is 20/20,” right? How could our actions and verbal expressions have changed the dynamic of the relationships?
Do we allow hurt, fear, or pride to prevent us from doing what we know we need to do? If a relationship has to end, be it life or death. Would it be better to know that we gave a 100%? Isn’t it better to be content with putting it all on the table? Or living with regret and remorse because we feared an uncertain outcome?
“A life lived in fear is a life half lived.”
If you love someone, tell them and show it. If you appreciate them, express it and reciprocate. Have compassion and mercy. Forgiveness makes love work!
Start handing out your flowers today!
Yes. Yes. My oldest sister’s funeral was the last one that I attended. It devastated me on many levels, but mainly because I got fed up with what I call “casket confessions” and the “I’m going to do better promise” that never comes to fruition. I always say, give me my flowers while I can smell them. After attending so many funerals and feeling the dread, I resolved to not have a funeral prepared for myself. I love in people in the living because when those eyes close for the last time, it no longer matters to the one resting in peace. This post confirms my choices in many ways. Thank You!
You are welcome Lynette! Thank you for your honest input!