Waste Not

When we are old

our lives become the

sum of all whom we

have loved.  It is

important not to

waste anyone.

~ Bernard L. Lifshutz

I read this quote on

a park bench on

the River Walk

in San Antonio, Texas.

It made a home in

my heart and I have

cradled it there for

the last month.

All of the

natural disasters

around the globe

this year ~

earthquakes

tsunamis

flooding

tornados

wild fires

have made this

quote especially

meaningful to me.

When interviewed,

individuals who have 
narrowly escaped one 
of these tragedies 

typically aren't

mourning the loss

of their possessions.

It's the people 

who may have perished
that cause the tears to flow.

Or, they are celebrating;

Thank God we all

made it out okay!

I love collecting things and

I love reading about the 

collections of others, too.

But when it comes down to it, 

the most priceless collection

of all is truly those people

who we have loved.

Because really, at the

end of our lives, it's

our relationships

that we cherish above

all else.

husbands and wives
moms and dads

sons and daughters

friends

brothers and sisters

grandparents

beloved pets

aunts and uncles

friends who feel like family

The sum of

us.

We've had a full moon

these past few nights and

when I gaze at it pinned 

up in the sky, surrounded

by stars, I think of people

on that list who are no longer

here on earth to share this

beauty with me.  And yet,

they will always be a part

of that unique equation 
that is mine, alone.

For them and for those who

I am still lucky enough to

share the journey with, I

don't want to squander full

moons or bear hugs, bare

feet in the grass or early

morning sunlight caressing my

 face.  I want to recognize

and remember it all.  I don't

want to frivol away any of it.

The changing seasons have a way of 

sharpening the senses, of refocusing
 the lens on this glorious earth that

we call home.  I hope that you

get the opportunity to revel in its 
magic over the next few days with

someone who loves you.... Or

perhaps sit quietly in the sunshine, 

connecting with the 

memory of someone dear,

who was integral to the 

sum 

of

YOU.

It is important not to waste anyone.

Have a beautiful day,

xx

Suzanne