Wise, Wise Words

There’s an old saying that “you should not put off until tomorrow, things that can be done today”……or words to that effect.

I’m reflecting on those words right now – thinking just how true they are.  In fact those words seem to be screaming at me.  I’ll tell you why.

A friend of mine has just passed away.  She had been sick for a few months.  I knew this.  I just didn’t realise HOW sick.  Of course I would have  – and should have – except that I was caught up in my own problems.  What a miserable  excuse.

I have been going to call in when I was in town.  I seemed to be always busy.  Too busy to drop in and say hi.  I didn’t feel well. I had shopping to do. Or errands to run. Or the child needed picking up from somewhere.  Or I had simply run out of time.

I didn’t realise that my friend was the one running out of time.

And I’m sorry. I’m so very, very sorry that I didn’t make the time for you my friend.  That doesn’t make me much of a friend – and I’m sorry.  For being selfish and for being busy and for not thinking of you when you needed me to.  I thought about dropping by so often….. I thought you would get better – but I was so wrong.    My plans to actually visit tomorrow came too late and  now there’s absolutely nothing I can do about it.   I feel like a complete mongrel.

For my other friends,  I promise you this:-

• I will pick up the phone and ring.

• I will visit first – the other errands can wait.  Since when were groceries or chores more important than people?

• I will email and let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

• I will put my own bad day aside and hold your hand through yours.

• I will have no more regrets that I didn’t do these things.

And I will miss you, my friend.

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