One thing I look forward to each month is a small, singular page piece in Esquire magazine called "What I've Learned." Usually, it is a one page section where a well known person, or a well lived person, will state the things he or she has learned in life.

This month they had a terrible one of a 20 year old popular actor. Frankly, I don't think there is too much we can learn from a 20 year old person.

I mention this because I am the last remaining one from our nuclear family and want to pass on some things I've learned.

http://www.legacy.com/pjstar/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=128095459

I don't mention this for pity or selfish condolences. What I mention it for is that I think the greatest thing our elders or loved ones can pass on to us is not to make the same mistakes they did. That we should learn from their lives, as well as our own.

What I'm getting at is this: nothing in this world matters more than families and actual true friends. I did have a good relationship with my nuclear family, but no matter how good these relationships are, they can always be better.

So, the greatest thing I have learned is this: when they are gone, they are gone. Do not, I repeat, do not take for granted their time here. Take advantage of their presence. Also, forgive them for their wrongs and faults (within reason, of course). But do not lose sight of them while they are here.

Visit them every time you get the chance. Pick up that phone every time you can. Send them that email. Tell them what they have meant to you.

And the next time the songs Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin, Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce and Alone Again Naturally by Gilbert O'Sullivan come on - listen to them and heed their message.

Because no matter how much time you spend with them now, later on, you will always feel it was never enough.

Best wishes,

Eric