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Make It Count
by Denise Hedges
My stepson, David Hedges, died just before Christmas. He was my deceased husband's son and just 46 years old.
He had a massive coronary. His father, my husband, died of a heart attack when he was 49. Seems it runs in the family. David's father, grandfather, and great grandfather all died of heart attacks at about 49. The knowledge that they'd all died young caused David to believe that he, too, would die young. That's quite a weight to live with.
David was blessed with many gifts. He was smart and personable, talented, and charming when he wanted to be. And he loved his kids. But he lived a rough life and made a lot of bad decisions. He drank hard, partied hard, ate badly, and generally didn't take care of himself or his relationships. I've known David since he was 12. That's 34 years. And I grieve for that 12 year old red-headed boy who was filled with such possibility.
I grieve for my grandchildren dealing with the death of a parent at their young ages ... only 24 and 18. And I worry about my 24-year old grandson, who's the spitting image of his father. His choices haven't been the best either. I wonder if he believes in the "legacy?" Does he believe he'll follow in his father's footsteps in every way? He has so far ... in lockstep.
So, why am I telling you all this?
Because here's what I was left with.
What we believe shapes who we are and how we behave. Believe good things.
We tend to think we have all the time in the world to put things right with the people in our lives, to love and support the folks who need us, but do we?
We think there will always be a tomorrow when we can break out of our shells and reach for what it is we want ... or get ourselves back on track ... but will there?
David ran out of tomorrows on December 21st, 2012.
Today is the day. Hug someone close to you. Reach out and call that person you've let slide away. You know the one I mean. Or maybe for you, it's about living your best life and not giving up on your dream.
When you think of someone dying at 46, it makes you realize you've got to go for what you want now ... whatever that is ... because we get no guarantees, no promises.
Tomorrow is not a given and life is too short to waste.
It's a new day and a new year. Let's make the most of it.
Let's really make it count.
Love,
Denise | 
