Thursday, October 2, 2008

Just a Reminder



Today's P.S.A. has to do with something we should all take time to do often. Backing up our hard drives? (No, but we should do that too.) Living with gratitude and appreciation in our minds, acts and words? (Not what I was thinking about for this post, but also a good idea.) Not living beyond our means? Remembering to vote? Being kind to old folks and animals? (Nope, nope, nope, but all good and worthy endeavors.)

That really important reminder is this ~~ take time today to let those you love know how much they mean to you. Make a phone call, send a note or card, write an email, give them a hug and tell them in person, whatever it takes.

I've been to several wakes and funerals these last two weeks, and sitting in the church or funeral home, I think, what if that was me or someone I love more than words? Did they know how much I loved them? A friend lost her husband suddenly yesterday. Now she is arranging for his funeral. I hope they had time to exchange kind words and expressions yesterday before she left for work.

The people you express your feelings for will appreciate the boost and brightened day. You'll feel better too, just for having shared the love. Win-win. And on that note -- thank you for being so kind to me in my new blogging journey. You have made a difference! *smile*

25 comments:

The Paper Whisperer said...

"Backing up your hard drive?," "Loose Goals?" Do you see a pattern here? Roto-Rooter, perhaps? Let me be the first (Ha, I beat Oren!!) to tell you how much you mean to me my dear friend. Your java and good company are like no other. You always feel like home, Angie. I miss you and love you mucho!! Have a beautiful day! And I hope things are soon back to "regular." hahahahaha

Anonymous said...

Angie,
Thanks for letting me in on the secret of the blog. It is a blast getting to sorta kinda getting to know other people. Love ya for it.
PW - As a coach for distance racers, we teach the athletes that it is a long race. Start under control and build to a strong finish. Everybody is happy. Sounds like a plan.
Oren
Oren

Kathryn Magendie said...

Good advice...and I'm sorry for your friend's loss, and all the loss you've had to deal with by these funerals ...

So, "hi, angie - you are loved and appreciated and the best friend ever in the world..." love kat

Terri Tiffany said...

I can always count on you to have your new blog up and ready to read when I wake up! Thank you for these thoughts today--there have been a few people I've been thinking of calling and have put it off. I needed the nudge.

Angie Ledbetter said...

PaperWhisperer (now...there's a name that fits with the topic of "loose goals" and Roto Rooter). ;) Love ya back. And same to Oren.

*smooch* to Kat! ;)

Terri, don't be impressed. I try to schedule posts at night. Glad to give ya a nudge. Hugs

Janna Leadbetter said...

Aw. *sniff* You're right. Thanks, Angie. We should all remember to do this more often.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Yes ma'am, Janna. On my perpetual To-Do list. ;)

Suldog said...

Truer words have never been written. So far, I've never had regrets concerning the passing of someone without my having said, "I love you." I can't imagine how empty and horrible it must feel to have regrets about something like that.

Always good to be reminded of this truth. Thanks!

Michelle O'Neil said...

It is good to let people know how much they mean to you while they are here.

I also believe that our relationships are never done.

I feel so much more understood by my grandmother now that she is gone. We have great heart to hearts.

Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday and for your thoughts on memoir. I appreciate it.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Suldog, you're one of the lucky few who's smart enough (or who has enough firing brain synapsi -- is that a word?) to not leave regrets behind when you go to that final Field of Dreams. ;)

I'm happy (really) about your heart-to-hearts with your Gran, Michelle.

Nana Net said...

Your post here reminded me just how often I tell my family & friends how I love and care about them. More so back when I did not have a cell phone. "0) That is when I used my house phone and called my brother 4 or 5 times a day (everyday)long distance! Long story-Short version-He was dying of cancer. The hours we would spend on the phone chatting away were well worth the money spent.
I was blessed to be able to go stay with him towards the end. As well as other family members I have lost too.

Guess what I am trying to say is that you can never, ever tell someone how much you love or care about them! And the cost of it is "Priceless!"

Thanks for this reminder. Looking forward to reading more.

Nana Net

http://wwwawbfam.blogspot.com/

tut-tut said...

A good reminder for everyone. Life can take a left turn in a second. We're on the edge with a new teen driver around here.

Barb Davis said...

Thank you for the posting. It reminds me just how delicate life is. We take so much for granted.

colbymarshall said...

Truer words haven't been spoken...it's so important to do this every day :-)

Kasie West said...

Excuse me if this is a repeat, I wrote it once, pressed 'publish' and nothing happened. So here goes again. :) Great advice. I lost my father very unexpectedly when I was 29. He was only 55. That wasn't supposed to happen. That only happens to other people (and I like it better that way...that was supposed to stay in my head) :) So appreciate those you love every day. Thanks for the reminder.
Kasie

Jenni James said...

Ahhh! I think this is my favorite of your three blogs! And how you keep up with three, I'll never know! What a good wake up call/reminder. Darn it, I'll be giving each of my kiddos a hug today! LOL!

oh! And you did mean Spit warning with the coffee didn't you? LOL! And five kids! You're a trouper! I say anyone who has 3 or more knows what it's like to raise a bunch of kids!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Nana, you are so right! Glad you had your opportunities with loved ones.

Oooo, *shiver*, Tut. I know the feeling well. Have 3 teen drivers here. The only rest my mind gets on that account is during school hours when those vehicles BETTER be parked in the student lot. ;)

Amen, Barbara, we sure do.

Echoing you, Colby.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Kasie, so sorry for your too-soon loss. It's tough going when a loved one leaves too soon. And thanks for visiting my hodge-podge blog.

Did I leave a nonsensical comment at your blog, Giddy? *Happens a lot...and you'll see how that mom brain deteriorates after you reach 40+* LOL. Hug the munchkins twice -- once for me. I agree about having 3 or more kids. You're outnumbered anyway after the first two b/c you only have 2 hands. ;)

Unknown said...

Thank you for the important reminder. Sometimes we get lazy with those closest to us ... and that's such a shame.

This is the first time that I have visited your site. It's wonderful. I'm going to have to come back and spend some time ... you have so many good posts. I really enjoyed your post entitled "All Aboard". Creativity is always so close ... but for many of us it seems hard to grasp. You gave us an excellent way to reach it.

Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Very sound advice indeed.

My grandmother died suddenly a couple years ago - very unexpected. Since we did not have a very strong relationship, we were somewhat distant with each other at the point when she died.

If there is one regret I have ever had in my life, I think that's it. I wished that I would've put water under the bridge and allowed myself to let go of past grudges, even if she did not, just so that she could've truly known that I loved her before she lost her life. I hope she knew.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Small, I enjoyed your blog post today too. Hey, blogger buds, pssst, do you know where your toothbrush ends up? Check out Small Footprints' info. today if you get a chance!

Janine, sorry for your loss. But in her heart, I bet she knew you loved her.

Melissa Amateis said...

Excellent reminder, Angie. It's something we need to do every day.

And I am so glad you started this blogging journey! Your posts are just an inspiration. :-)

Anonymous said...

Angie,
This sounds a little mushy, but so be it. The May boys never end a phone call or visit without a "Love You" to go on our way. My Dad started it with our two and it has morphed into a pretty cool deal.
Love Ya,
Oren

Carrie Wilson Link said...

Can't express love too much! Great reminder!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Thank you for the kind words, Melissa.

Love ya back, Oren. Great gang you got there, with the right/good traditions handed down.

*wink* to Carrie.

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