Reece Gardner: Living today to the fullest

There are some things that bear repeating, such as expressions of love, about which I will be repetitious today. We are now fully into the New Year of 2022 and there are a lot of exciting events on the horizon. But, as always, there is also the potential for depression and sadness, especially if we try to relive days from the past or agonize about days to come. We can't relive yesterday, nor can we live tomorrow. But we can live TODAY, and we should strive to do so to the fullest. Though some don't like to think about it, especially as we grow older, our tenure on earth is rather brief and fleeting, so we need to do and say everything we can while we have the opportunity to do so. For example, we need to tell our Loved Ones that we love them, and we need to do it TODAY.

I received word a while back about an elderly gentleman who knew that he had only days to live. He and his wife had been married 58 wonderful years, and he wanted to write something to her that would express his love and appreciation to her. Here is what he wrote , in poetic form: "When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not here to see, and if the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me, I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in Heaven up above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. I thought of all the yesterdays, the happy and the sad, and I thought of all the love we shared , and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just for a little while, I'd say goodbye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized that this could not now be, and that for a while only memories will take the place of me. But when tomorrow starts without me, please don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'll be right there in your heart." Folks, life is all about love. Always has been, ALWAYS WILL BE.

I will close now on a rather humorous note, with this prayer: "So far today, Lord, , I've done all right. I haven't gossiped, haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy, grumpy, selfish or mean. I'm really glad about that! But in a few minutes , Lord, I'm going to get our of bed, and from that point on I'm going to need a lot of help."

Have a WONDROUS NEW YEAR!