Life is unpredictable. We can’t control it, no matter how hard we try. No matter how much control we think we have, eventually things happen that we couldn’t have predicted or planned for. But that’s when our true characters are brought forth. How do we deal with these situations? Do we go beyond our limits to adjust and accept things as they come?
I know that I’m the type of person who hates it when things are out of my control. I don’t like uncertainty. But then again, who does? Some of us deal with it better than others, but it can be really hard. The problem is that when the unforeseen happens, we become vulnerable. We can’t stay in the mold that we have created for ourselves. And I know that for me, showing emotion is something that I don’t like to do.
I am blessed to have a wonderful relationship with my family. It can make happy times especially joyous, but also the sad times that much more painful. One person that has been in my life for just about as long as I can remember is my grandfather. I grew up with him and my grandmother around often, and they only live an hour away, so I see them regularly.
Recently, I found out that my grandfather has stage four cancer. No one expected the diagnosis to be this serious, and now nothing is certain. And that is what kills me. I love my grandfather more than I can express. He is always there for me, offering advice and making me laugh. Of course I know that he and my grandmother will not be around forever. But I’ll never be ready to lose them. And now that I’m faced with that possibility, I don’t know what to do.
I keep thinking about how it would be to lose my grandfather. Nothing would be the same. I think back on all the memories, and something breaks inside. I know it’s not over yet, but accepting the possibility of something that is so painful seems impossible. In fact, it seems to be beyond my own limits. But that is the point. Our emotions can be what we perceive as our limits.
We all experience loss or the possibility of loss. How do we deal with it? Do we respond in anger or sadness? For most of us it is probably a little bit of both. It’s the acceptance that’s often the hardest part. But instead of fighting it, maybe we should focus more on the time we have with those we love.
The holiday season is here. Take some time to really appreciate those you love. We aren’t guaranteed any other time than right now. Make time for them. That’s what I’m going to do this season. Instead of focusing on what or who I may not have next year, I’m going to spend time with the ones I love now. Time has all of a sudden become very precious to me. And that is what it truly is: Precious.
So I urge you, don’t spend time on regret or anything you can’t change. It may seem impossible, but you have the ability make the most out of right not. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions. Show your loved ones just how much they mean to you. It may be a small mountain to climb, but it can lead to stronger and more meaningful relationships than you would have ever thought possible.