The brevity of human life...

[Mopar440+6]

My grandmother was in an assisted living facility for the past 10 years. After my grandfather passed in 2003 we moved her to a facility closer to us. Since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she was not doing well for the past 3 or 4 years. Last evening my mom told me that the nursing home had called and said they were taking her to the hospital and that she probably would not survive the weekend. My parents took off work and were going to go see her today. But I got the phone call from my mom this morning that my grandmother had passed overnight.

I say this not because I am looking for sympathy. I tell you this to make a point, especially to some of our younger members. My dad's parents lived in Florida while I was growing up. Since I live in Pennsylvania, I never really got the chance to know them well. And although I was never very close to them it is still difficult to write this. For my age (22) I have attended more funerals than I would like to remember and I will soon be attending yet another.

This post is simply meant to be a reminder of how short life really is. We don't live forever. Take the time to tell those you love how much you really do care about them. And not only those people who are older. I have lost many friends my age. Many times death comes without warning . There are no second chances. My mom's parents, with whom I am very close, are still living. However, they are getting older by the second so I will be making a trip to see them at least twice a month from now on. Again, I don't want this post to be about me. I just want to remind all of you that life can end in an instant. Please show your appreciation to those people you have now before you cannot show them... 

[Drache]

My sympathies for you and your family... I lost my grandfather suddenly and I find myself kicking my own ass for not visiting him more and learning what he knew. He was a hell of a mechanic, woodworker, and moonshiner! I always kept putting off visiting him and he lived in the same town. I kept telling myself that I'll see him next week and so on everytime I drove past his place on the highway.

[skip68]

I am so sorry for your loss! I was and still am affected by the losses on my father's side: Grandmother first, Great-Grandmother soon after (I think it broke her heart that her daughter died first ) then my Dad's brother, and finally my Grandpa. They all were transplants to Bakersfield via Spiro, Oklahoma, and they all lived on the same old farm! Lost them all in a 3 1/2 year span when I was a kid. It still bugs me that they are not here to share all their stories!

Even if you don't have a elderly relative, go visit the convalescent hospital and ask the nurses if anybody just needs a visit! I have done this in the past, I am telling you,...it is an overwhelming feeling.  These people have such a history behind them and it's sad that some never have anyone to share their stories.  Go brighten someones day, just by listening!
My condolences!
Mrs.Skip68

[mikepmcs]

Very sorry for your family's loss.  You have some great words of advice there for someone at such a great stage in life. Never lose that and always be kind to everyone.
v/r
Mike

[TheGhost]

I agree with your message completly.  Too many people taked their loved ones for granted.

[ITSA426]

Sorry for your loss.

[71ChallengeHer]

Bry, I'm so sorry for your loss. And once again you amaze me with your words of wisdom. You can call Shelby or myself if you need someone to talk to. Our thoughts are with you and your family. 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Well said Bryan.....sorry for your loss.

[Silver R/T]

good point