ASK VICKI: Stop whatever you are doing…….tell someone you love them.

Stop whatever you are doing…….tell someone you love them, give someone a hug, make someone feel appreciated…….tomorrow is not promised.

Today I attended the memorial service for a friend and colleague. His name is Gary. I have known Gary for many years. We went to nursing school together. Lost contact and then reunited.
You never quite know how the passing of someone is going to affect you. Maybe it is the length of time we have known each other and the memories that only we share. Maybe it is the deeper, spiritual connection. But as I sat and listened to his life being shared with all of us, I knew that I was going to deeply miss him.
Upon entering the room we were each given a lei to put around our necks. Gary loved Hawaii, It provided peace and solace for him. I will treasure that lei.
I did not get to spend any time with Gary before he passed. I will regret that missed time. But I was with him today. We celebrated his life and his loves.
My thoughts took me to love, family and friendship. It also took me to the way we celebrate love with those in our lives. There are many stressors and distractions that interfere with loving connections. Perhaps we need to sit still and think about peace and love and how we share these with others.
Gary had a kind heart and many people were recipients of that kindness, including myself. I will forever treasure the beautiful business card holder that he bought me from the hospital gift shop. I had had a talk with Gary and shared some personal pain that brought both of us to tears. I was surprised with the gift and card before my shift was over.
Don’t let a day pass that you don’t acknowledge the beauty of friendship.
Written on the front of Gary’s program was the following:
“IN THIS LIFE WE CANNOT DO GREAT THINGS. WE CAN ONLY DO SMALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE.”
—- Mother Teresa

Vicki L Mayfield, M.Ed., R.N., LMFT Marriage and Family Therapy Oklahoma City

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