Overcast skies and the damp wind kept us huddled
together under the blue canvas on the afternoon of Saturday,
October 15th. I stood behind my seated cousin, holding his hand
as he gazed at the void in front of him. Family members and close
friends dropped flowers from a bouquet upon the casket that had been
carefully lowered moments prior. Tears were choked back as he shared
with me how he felt about not having spent more time with his mother.
I asked him if he felt that he was doing the right thing at the time, and he said yes. I reminded him we are living forward, we cannot change what we have done, and there is no right or wrong in our actions. We are simply living the best that we can in the moment in the here and now.
Just like you, I’m certain there are plenty of things you’d like to do over. On this side of a past decision, I know there are things I’d change with the clear understanding of the outcome. Alas, hindsight is 20/20. We are living forward. We are making the best decisions for our well-being in this moment, and in the next - if that’s what we choose. Trust yourself to know you are doing the best you are capable of. We are not living backwards in time looking for our errors; we are living forward to embrace what’s next.
Each of us have a precious gift to share; it is our story.
In loving remembrance of my Aunt Ruth.