Tell them you love them while you have the chance

Tomorrow, one of my dearest friends will bury her father. He was in his early 50s, with a wife, two married daughters (the two older kids), and two sons in college (the two younger kids). With no warning whatsoever, he suffered a major heart attack and died at his home Thursday evening. I know that everyone, especially them, thought they had all the time in the world. Of course he would be there at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Of course he would see his grandchildren. Of course he would see his two youngest children graduate from college. But none of this was meant to be. He's gone, forever.

Just one more reminder to say "I love you" one more time, to hug that person goodbye, to send an email or make a phone call more often, because you never know when you won't be able to ever again. None of us is promised tomorrow, or even another few minutes. Cherish every moment while it here, every person while he or she is in your life, because those moments may never come again, and that person may walk out the door for the last time. If you do all you can now to show and tell everyone that you love them as often as possible, you won't have a reason to be sorry later.

{{{Hugs}}} to Leah and family. Joel Phillips was truly one of the nicest men and most dedicated fathers I have ever met. He will be greatly missed.