reflection

     How many deaths must we endure before our sins of commission and omission cease to haunt us?  We have lost two women in the last two weeks whose lives wrapped around so many hearts that it is impossible to comprehend the depth of the collective grieving.

     There are no guarantees in this fragile life.  We don't have assurance that tomorrow or even the next moment will be ours.  We all have reason to regret the unsaid kind word, the phone call not made or the hug not given.  I told my mother that I hated her when I was old enough to know better and my thoughtlessness has haunted me for decades.  She has been gone 42 years.  I can only hope the kindnesses I did have time to do for her cancelled out those angry, childish words.