if you need to make an apology, do it before the eulogy.

A friend passed away yesterday.

Not exactly my "friend." No, we've never been close. She was just another person. A visible notion of God’s grace and love. A sign of great courage and hope. A fighting spirit.

Born with a medical condition, it is a wonder that she lived up to 31 years. Throughout those years battling her sickness, unsure if tomorrow will be the day that she will finally be ok. I am humbled by how much gratitude and joy she has while fighting her enormous battles. 

Her presence will light up any room. She was the ultimate reminder for me to be thankful that I am born the way I am. A solid reminder that we should be grateful for the gift of life.

Although I am only an acquaintance, I felt her absence. Her friends -- our mutual friends -- loves her so much, that I myself could not stop myself from tearing up reading their comments about her. She is indeed loved by many.

Reading all those comments, and with pictures of her popping up one after another on facebook got me thinking. Anybody can be next. I can be the next one to go. We just do not know whose name God will call next. We do not know when any of us will be called home. It is best for us to show our appreciation to each other while we can; while we are still alive.

Far too many times we disregard doing so and live to regret it. Far too many times funeral wishes are where all the love and appreciation are expressed. We never really realize how much they meant to us until they are dead. We do not always tell the people we love how much they mean to us until it is too late.

Isaac’s passing was a bitter reminder of timely conciliation. I never got the chance to tell him how sorry I am. The guilt lingers. A minister once said “if you need to make an apology, do it before the eulogy.” 

Do whatever you need to do to show your love and appreciation today. It is always better to express how we feel when people are still alive. Do not wait until they pass, then tell stuff or write stuff about them. They would have appreciated it most, but they cannot read them. The tributes we write when they die should be just a reinforcement of what they already knew.

Time is precious, too precious for us to take the ones we love for granted.

God bless your souls my dearly departed friends, may you rest in peace, and be joyful in His arms. 

In loving memories of Charlene Dawn Toyong 1981-2013 & Isaac Mobijohn 1988-2006.