Time

Time.  We always seem to think we have all the time in the world to take care of things.  I'm not talking about waiting until the absolute last minute to finish a term paper or business report.  I'm talking about thinking "later" when it comes to spending time with friends and loved ones.  For almost 14 years, I kept planning to see my grandfather in California.  Either my work schedule was too hectic, or I didn't have enough money.  Then I had the money--but by then, it was too late.  We lost him the month before.  I was always proud of him--he had an amazing talent to create beautiful things from wood.  What I did not know until after his death was that he was a decorated veteran.  Too many questions left unanswered.  It will be one of my biggest regrets that I didn't try harder.  On rare moments, like this weekend, I hear his laugh.  I was just like my father.  I don't have a single bad memory of him.  The man I knew was caring, nurturing, and understanding.  The best piece of advice I ever received from him in the year before his death came from a song--"Simple Man."  He couldn't be more correct.  Over the years, I've thought of contacting old friends to find out they're gone as well.  Always keep those you love and care for close to you.  Let them know, don't waste the chance because you never know how much time you have with them.