Don't Take Loved Ones For Granted

Life is beautiful and fragile at the same moment. We travel up  hills and  down valleys on this journey, the ups and downs of our mere existence.  We need to be in the moment and not take loved ones for granted. We are human, flawed and sometimes we move at such an erratic pace through our days that we miss what is truly valuable.

I did just that this week even though I made my self promise not to do so in 2012.  I did mail out my Birthday cards, albeit late. My Father in law was  one of the recipients of a late birthday card. My husband spoke to him yesterday for hours and of course let him know the card is on the way. That  very evening his Mother called to inform us he was admitted into the hospital with chest pains and a very high heart rate. He is stable and we are hoping it was just anxiety and not serious. What a wake up call this was for me, the card should have been there on his exact birthday January 13th. I have no excuse but selfish procrastination and the self realization that such an action is wrong and should never occur when it comes to someone in your life whose presence holds such importance. 

I promised myself this year that all aspects of life would be addressed. I know I have many large resolutions and I am staying on track with them. At the same time I have many 2012 vows to myself to make changes to live a better life; be a better family member and friend. Living La Dolce' Vita translates to living the sweet soulful life. I just learned the hard way how delicate the blessing of life is. One mistake, like a late birthday card can end up being a lifetime of regret. Take the time now to send the cards, to call a loved one because time is of the essence, it is fleeting and one should never regret anything in life. We constantly get second and third chances if we are lucky, and I intend to take those chances and not make such lazy mistakes in the future. I pray my wonderful Father in law recovers and lives a long life. He is a perfect role model for the whole family and we are blessed to have him.

I am making my month list of birthdays so I can send cards out at the beginning of each month. In this world of technology and Facebook we sometimes forget the ones who we love the most do not take part in the modern way of keeping in touch. To make the extra effort is easy and they deserve that and so much more from us. I am grateful for my beautiful families on each side, but my gratitude doesn't mean anything if I do not take the time to let them know how important they are. I hope I never get the chance to live with such regrets and will continue to strive to "LIVE LA DOLCE' VITA"  and to be forever grateful for this elusive gift called life. 

“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.”

G.K.Chesterton                                                           Surf the wild waves of life,                                                                                                                                                                        Ride the Tide.