I remember like it was yesterday, the day that changed everything. It was a sunny day, the kind that makes you feel like anything is possible. As I walked out the door, I couldn't help but smile, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my skin. I made my way to the car port, ready to start my day. But as I looked up, I saw something that made my heart drop.
Across the street, I saw my neighbor, the guy I had known since we were kids, walking down the road. I could tell something was different about him, he looked lost and distant. But then he saw me and waved, giving me a small smile. I remember thinking it was odd, he just got taken away in an ambulance the day before. I had heard his dad yelling for help and saw the flashing lights as they took him away. I had been worried about him, wondering what had happened. But here he was, walking down the street as if nothing had happened.
Excited to see him, I quickly ran inside to tell my mom. But as soon as the words left my mouth, her expression changed. She looked at me with sadness in her eyes and said, "I don't think so. I just got off the phone with his dad and he just died like 5 minutes ago." My whole world stopped in that moment. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Just yesterday, he was fine and now he was gone. It felt like a dream, a cruel and twisted one.
As the reality sunk in, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. If I had known, I would have gone to see him one last time. But instead, I had just waved and went on with my day. From that day on, every time I see someone walking down the street, I can't help but remember that sunny day when I saw my friend for the last time. I learned that life can change in an instant, and to always cherish the moments with the people we love.
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I work in a Senior Nursing Facility-I posted an account about it, if you care to read it. One of the residents there was a sweet lady named Ruthie. We got rather close in the first 3 years of my working the [at] front desk. She would come to talk to me every time I was working.
However, she began to decline progressively after a year, & a half. She wound up in skilled nursing for a long time. She passed on on one of my days off. I was so upset I went into the employee restroom to cry.
However, later, a new man moved into her apartment. I had to check on him one night as a part of my regular duties. He wasn't home, but there sitting on the couch smiling [at] me was Ruthie. She looked as robust, & healthy as ever. I was overwhelmed, & burst into tears telling her that I missed her, & was so happy to see her. She gave me a big smile, & raised her hand as if to wave to me.
I think that was her way of saying goodbye, & letting me know it was alright if I wasn't there when she passed on, & that she was perfectly alright now. She faded in front of me.
I believe your friend was giving YOU a last recognition, & goodbye before departing for something much better.
This was a lovely, & touching post you submitted, & you're right. We have to love, & cherish those we care about on a regular basis. Appreciate every moment we have in the present. We'll be much better for doing that in the long run! Very good read!
With Good Wishes! 😁 😁