A Brief Conversation

I was talking to an insurance agent today about my policy. As we talked, the fact her brother passed away over the weekend came into the conversation.

It was sudden. He'd had health problems, but his passing was not expected.

She said: "I must still be in shock". I agreed, and told her about losing two brother to tragic accidents.

I told her how one of my brothers was the "go to" member of the family. He was a wealth of information, immediate help and did so without expecting anything in return. He honored us with his devotion to his family and it my other brother did the same with his close circle in the state he lived in and while in the service. If he'd been closer to us, he'd been the same; constantly in motion, always willing to help and generous without expectations.

She explained that was how her brother was. As a mechanic, they always turned to him for advice and he was always willing to help, when needed.

I went on and explained it would just hit her some day, without warning, and the big boo-hoo would take her by surprise.

We changed the subject, finished our business and that was the end of the conversation. The look on her face told me she was hoping it wouldn't happen immediately.

So, that's how it is. You don't feel the loss immediately. You trudge on, go to work, do what you normally do, continue with your life, but it hits you one day. A thought, moment, certain smell, inconsequential event and it all comes crashing down. The grief overwhelms and you realize it will find you again in the future.

You never forget those you placed in your heart. When they pass, they leave an empty spot and it's never filled again.

So, the moment after you read this may be the last chance you ever have to contact someone you love. Do so and remember to never neglect the opportunity again.