“If Tomorrow Never Comes” is a Garth Brooks song that reflects on many aspects of endings and death. I have heard this song played a few times in the past; on TV, radio and at a funeral.
Feelings of sadness, tears and thoughts of if tomorrow never comes combine with wondering if there is something I have left unsaid or not done. I know I am not alone and many others have the same feelings and thoughts.
Saying “I love you”, being nice to people, understanding there is much more to life than what meets the eyes and looking deep inside to any places of anger, fear and unforgiveness; to clear the slate before tomorrow never comes may be difficult.
An elderly person once strongly encouraged a dying person not to die without mending relationship rifts where possible. Take time to mend your rift and in the process heal a part of your heart; if not for you then for someone else. Hmmm, you might ask why.
What if that rift has been there for years, no matter when or how it was caused? Can you let go of the feelings entrenched in your self? For some the answer is a loud, strong “NO”! For others this question may be food for thought resulting in a potential may be or a yes.
Everyone differs in how they approach life’s difficulties.
Say a prayer, ask for help from a higher power, write it in a letter, heck…send a text to get started or just do it…say what you need to say without trying to guess what the other person will say or do. Speak your truth and that is all you can do. You are not responsible for how someone else reacts to your gesture.
Ya, easy for me to say…right!
What if you are faced with a negative response? Is there a way that past concerns or issues can be set aside and from this day forward a new beginning happens? Everyone sees the actions of others from their own perspective and the truth of the matter may be entirely different.
Making amends takes work along with seriousness, honesty and perhaps love snuggled up with compassion for all concerned.
Hopefully, the doors to healing can be opened and have a positive outcome. If not today, then another day. Change and acceptance takes time for some people, but plant the seeds anyway.
If tomorrow never comes, you know you did your best. Bless them on their way and leave the door open in your heart. (((HUGS)))
Barbara Gillett Saunders
Grief Counsellor/Thanatologist