Sign falls at Birmingham Airport
There were six adults killed in the Newtown massacre. One of the victim’s husbands gave a TV interview describing that morning prior to work.
He said he and his wife usually rushed into the kitchen, gobbled down breakfast, and ran out the door. But this particular morning, for some unknown reason, he grabbed her in his arms, hugged her, and planted a big kiss on her lips.
Even though he had tragically lost his wife, he seemed to be at peace because his last memory was one of pure passion and love.
My brother, Martin, and I for many years, attended the Humor Conference in Saratoga Springs, New York. It was fun and different not only because we had an opportunity to hear humorous and entertaining speakers, but we were able to interact with all types of people who had traveled to Saratoga to have a good time or to learn techniques or skills to help others have a happier life.
One conversation I had with a hospice nurse at the conference made a huge impression on me. I told her I thought she had the most challenging job in the world since she had to deal with people who were dying. She said her job was difficult, but not because of the relationship between her and her dying patients, but because of the family’s guilt following the death of their loved one. She felt it was her responsibility to make each family member feel better.
That was certainly not what I expected to hear, but it got my attention.
When I think about all the significant people I’ve lost—my mom, dad, grandparents, friends—not once did I know when I said goodbye that it would be my last.
With our recent meteor scare, a man being sucked into a sinkhole, and a family being crushed by a sign at our airport, it’s clear we don’t know what’s ahead.
One of my favorite aunts (wasn’t my aunt, but my Mom’s first cousin and best friend) was Aunt Laney Royal. She told me, “Treat everyone as if it’s going to be the last time you’ll see them.”
This is the single best piece of advice I ever received and I try to live by those words today.
David Sher is a co-founder of Buzz12 Marketing. You can read more of his posts by looking for the “David Sher Posts” category in the sidebar of Buzz12’s website.