While They Are Still Here

I heard my grandmother say, to no one in particular (she had a wonderful way of doing that), “If people don’t come visit me now, I don’t want ‘em comin’ to my funeral and wailin’ away at my casket.”

I have likely attended at least one hundred funerals since I recall her speaking those words during my childhood. I can now vouch that those are, indeed, the very people who often cry the longest and loudest at most any funeral; the family and friends who didn’t visit while the deceased was alive.

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We have all been guilty of neglect in this respect, at least to some degree.

I drove by Great Aunt Inez’s house every single day on the way to Highland View Elementary School, where I taught at the time, thirty-some years ago now. And I would again drive right past it on my way home.

I had wonderfully sincere intentions of visiting Aunt Inez.

Always. Wonderful. Intentions.

But death had other plans. My great aunt passed away before I found the time to visit her … at least while she was alive.

But I did attend her funeral. And, yes, I wept at her casket.

One of the greatest lessons we can teach our children/grandchildren is this; visit family, friends, and loved ones - while they are still here.

And what is the best way to teach anything under the sun? By example, of course.

There are few things that sear the human soul as deeply as regret for something we simply could have done, but did not.