Recognizing and appreciating what we have

Today was my grandmother’s funeral.

As you can imagine it was a difficult time for me. Beyond simply dealing with the loss, I also had estranged family members to contend with. I’m happy to say that I truly surprised myself by remaining calm and collected – remembering that I was there for my grams, not for anyone else.

While sitting at the church lost in my thoughts of her, instead of listening to the homily, I discovered something. It’s not the noteworthy things we do for others that truly matter as we journey through life. No, it’s all the little things and ordinary days together that we remember when they’re gone.

Some might consider me unexciting, maybe even boring that I enjoy just spending time with people regardless of the circumstances or environment. It could be something as simple as just sitting on the patio enjoying a beautiful day, watching a funny movie or sharing a cup of tea and some sweet treats with your special grandma.

The relationships we foster and the appreciation we develop for other people is what will ultimately matter at the end of one’s life.

The world needs to slow down and start enjoying the people around them before they’re no longer here. Memories are an incredible reminder of those we treasure. But if you aren’t wise enough to create and foster those memories when people are still alive, you’ll never have another opportunity.

Fredrick Koeing once remarked that “We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”