Aren’t we a funny species? We think we’ll all live forever, death a distant companion, especially for those of living in “privileged” places in the world. My mother-in-law Trudy just fractured her hip and there are complications and it’s not going as well as we would like. So, of course I’m thinking about her, and that maybe she won’t be around anymore. My heart opens in gratitude for all she’s been in our lives and that takes me even further into gratitude. I look at Stew, who’s been at my side for over 40 years, and everything I grumbled about in the past fades away. When we do brush up against death and we’re forced to think about it, it is such a precious gift. If I “went” in the next moment...was I kind or compassionate enough? Did I forgive? Did I say, “I love you...I appreciate you,” often? If my loved ones “went” in the next moment, was the last word I said when they went to sleep or left the house one of criticism and petty argument or even just a nonchalant “see ya”? I know that far too often I take my loved ones for granted. It’s pretty normal to not like the specter of death but I have to say thank you for the way it helps me to stay present, connect with my heart and what’s really important, and reminds me to be the kind of person I want to show up as for myself and everyone else in more of my moments. [And 3 days later, thank you, too, Trudy, for sticking around and slowly getting better...I love you!] Okay, now go say I love you, often!