A couple weeks ago I received a text. It said something to the effect of “I know we haven’t kept in touch recently but...”
I didn’t respond, but did acknowledge the message in my own way, which is more than most people would have done.
It’s remarkable, the way in which people can process a similar event (losing a family member at a young age) in completely different ways.
I share this common thread with two people in my life. In one instance it has brought us closer together. In one it has driven us apart.
I don’t know when the grieving process ends, if ever, but I do know that my experience with it has brought me closer to some people. It has also driven others out of my life completely...and that is my own choice...and right now, I am ok with the decisions that I have made.
I haven’t always done the best job at communicating with the people in my life that I care about...but, I have learned some valuable lessons along the way that have helped me fine tune my skills.
One experience involved watching my aunt interact with my mom-mom in the final months of her life. It was too little, too late...nothing can make up for years of indifference.
The other is the journey with my brother that my family has been on for the past four years.
It started with learning how to say “I love you.” Since then, I’ve learned the importance of three simple phrases.
It is for this reason I will always say...
“I am sorry” when I am wrong
“Thank you” when I appreciate you
“I love you” and mean it
I don’t always live life to the fullest, but I do my best to make sure that I live it without regret.
A couple weeks ago I received a text. It said something to the effect of “I know we haven’t kept in touch recently but...”
I didn’t respond, but did acknowledge the message in my own way, which is more than most people would have done. 
