I've been pondering whether to make this post for some time now and have decided to because I think it is important for people in a community like this to pass along experiences and knowledge that might be beneficial to anyone else out there.

I do not make it for sympathy, pity or anything else, but to pass along a learned lesson. So with out going into detail, in this season of giving, I implore everyone out there to give more to those they care about and to think more about the things that are truly important. I want everyone to think of those that they truly would despair if they were to leave this earth prematurely and measure their time together with that standard - what would you do if they were gone in a year, a month, weeks or days. What would you say and do knowing their time is short?

I'm not trying to depress anyone at all, but to remind people that time is so precious and what is even more precious is the time that remains with our loved ones.

So when everyone out there is lying next to their loved one in bed, think of what that means. Think of what it would mean to come home tomorrow and him or her not being there. Listen to the breathing of your loved one. Feel that person's warmth and alive body and appreciate it.

Think about a feud that has been meant to be fixed but hasn't. Think about things left unsaid. Think about no longer being able to make that simple phone call because the person is no longer there. Of the lost time.

I'm certain that many here have went through these sort of things before, but we forget them too soon.

And like I said, I'm not trying to depress anyone, but only point out how precious time with our loved ones is and how we must relish and savor every second of it. So, during the holidays, put down that newspaper and talk to that curmudgeon grandfather; turn off that football game and talk to that dull and boring uncle; turn off that video game and make those cousins who don't see each other often bond.

Best wishes,

Eric