I wrote this following the funeral of a good friend who died unexpectedly last week.
If I had known last Sunday would have been the last time I saw you on this earth, I would have looked a little deeper into your eyes. I would have lingered longer in love.
I would have paused and been present.
Listened, cherished each word.
Shared with you how much your faith in God inspires me.
Acknowledging how much you mean to me as a friend.
I wouldn’t have rushed off to get things done before the service began. To do’s that don’t seem so important now.
If I had known I would have broken covid social distancing guidelines and hugged you.
Until we meet again, good buddy. Until we meet again.
If I had known…and yet every encounter holds this possibility – of being the last time together.
Precious, precarious life.
I remember giggling with a friend about our husbands’ snoring when a few weeks later, her husband suddenly died. She told me later she would give anything to lie next to him in bed at night hearing him snore once again. I now love hearing my hubby snore.
A.A. Milne wrote and the words are so true, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Rumi’s words of wisdom bring me comfort: Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”
Pay attention to those right in front of us.
Behold them as priceless and transient gifts.
Treasure the time.
Relish the relationship.
Savor the now.
Linger longer in love.
Oh, this touches my heart in so many places! And even more so since “Linger” is my one word for the year. Thanks for slowing me down to take in your words. I am very sorry for the loss of your friend. 🙁 I will appreciate hearing Jeff snore beside me tonight instead of get irritated by it.
Thanks Lisa. I just knew God’s lessons were reverberating to remind me to linger longer
A lesson for us all, no doubt.
“But the meek shall possess the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of prosperity”, Psalm 37: 11
Great verse
Oh I am so deeply sorry for your loss, Jean …
Thank you. Just reminded me how to value each life.
My heart is with you jean…..Jesus is crying with you….
yes sad But I know heaven and God is real.
I too was deeply touched by your poem, Jean. Thank you for the needed reminder that our relationships with one another are precious and very precarious. I pray you experience God’s peace in palpable ways as you grieve the loss of your friend.
Thank you Nancy. Each life, each moment I want to more present with all.
just want to let you know, i was touched and i cried as i read every word in this email… thank you for sharing.
blessings, angie
THank you for sharing my sadness, Angie
Thank you Jean! So sorry for your loss and how timely for my family. Today is the viewing for my brother and tomorrow his funeral and burial. I know I will see him again as Jesus is his Lord and Savior. Can’t wait for that reunion day! We grieve, but comfort ourselves with the fact his battle with cancer is done and his faith is now his reality with King Jesus for eternity. Yes, love deeply and linger longer for sure. Blessings to you. ♥️
So sorry for your loss too. I too believe we both will see our loved ones again. And what a reunion that will be!
Oh, Jean, I am so very sorry for your loss! The words you have written here absolutely touched my heart and my soul. Yes, may we linger in love, and treasure every moment of the time we have with our loved ones.
May God give you peace and comfort at this time, my friend.
Thank you Martha. I know it was a deep reminder to behold those we encounter. Be present. Love all.