Life without regret . . .

Last Tuesday started as a normal day in our household. The kids heading out to school anticipating an easy day and week as it was the last before the winter break. Preparations for the Christmas celebration the next week were in full swing, and I was doing my usual catching up on what was new with friends and family through my daily perusal of Facebook.

I did not expect the posting on my brother Eric's page to be so shocking and sad--nor did I expect to learn of his passing through a post of one of his friends on Eric's page trying to locate family. I was in shock and called the number left on the post, gathered the details of the unexpected death of the my baby brother, and then made plans to travel to his home the next day.

My blog is about things learned from past generations and while I think about our loss, I remember my grandmother telling me time and again to be grateful for the things you have while you have them, appreciate the people in your life while you have them, and never take anything including the time you have to do this for granted. It is the Christmas season. It is a sad time for our family now, but what I will never forget is how I was able to walk into his apartment knowing I had cherished every moment we had together--no regrets.

Listen to those who are older than you and take to heart the things they are trying to tell you without sounding old and creepy. They have experienced what you will at some time in your own life. . .slow down, take time for you and yours. . .life without regret is priceless and serene.