Don’t Wait Before It’s Too Late
Written by: Jhon Abaga, Admin/Creator - Life Exploration
Date updated: September 16, 2023
Date Published: June 23, 2020
What I'm about to tell you in the following paragraphs and phrases is all about my realization about giving importance to a person that matters to you. I want to share one of the stories of my life that made me lament everything that I did at that point in my existence. Something made me say, "It is all true. You can't bring back what already happened."
At this point, think about the second verse of the song If Tomorrow Never Comes, by Ronan Keating from Boyzone, saying, "'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life who never knew how much I loved them. Now I live with the regret that my true feelings for them never were revealed."
Think about the story behind that verse—it's about losing someone without telling them how much you loved them. Let's begin the tale while you're still feeling the emotions.
……….
When I was young, I viewed myself as a tough kid who didn't tear up easily. Let's say I'm a cool kid allergic to dramas and the so-called chick-flick moments. During those days, I often listened to all our parents' sermons and lectures; yet, my cool-headed attitude as a kid often ignored the point of our family discussions—it was one of those chick-flick moments I considered.
Our parents always tell us to "give importance to the person we love before it is too late." Ring any bell? I know most of us are familiar with the saying. They used to remind us of it all the time, especially when we were youngsters, up to our starting point of adolescence. In fact, they keep evoking that particular maxim, even if we're already adults.
Did you ever notice your parents' voices and the look in their eyes while they were spitting those words out of their mouths? At that precise time, it's as if they're emotionally conveying to us, attempting to convince us to value, cherish, and adore them. There are instances when they are precise and speak about themselves in that context. And as usual, I let those words enter my ear and let them out on the other side.
Years have gone by so fast. I grew up closer to my friends than my family—it feels like home with my best buddies rather than in our own house with my family. After I graduated from high school, I started to work different part-time jobs to earn some money before I went to college. During that time, my father was working overseas to provide us with the life he wanted us to have in the first place. My father and I aren't close like any other picture-perfect father-son bond you can think of. I grew up thinking my sister was his favorite, which was incorrect—there is no favoritism.
My relationship with my father is not perfect. In fact, there was a moment when I got mad at him the last time he went back home before he left for another year of his contract. I haven't spoken to him for months since he went back abroad. He tried to reach out several times, but I ignored him. A few months have passed, and we finally had our quick conversation again.
I didn't know that it would be the last time.
When I was in college, a tragic moment struck our family, unfortunately. My father passed away due to a road accident. I was shocked at the very moment but did not show it—I've got to be that tough kid again. We were devastated. My mother, as well as my sister, used to cry every day and night. Me? I tried to shrug it off. We dealt with the loss and grief for months, even a year. Everything has changed since then.
That point in my life made me feel such repentance—if only I could bring back the moments he wanted to talk to me, I would. If only I could turn things around, I would spend quality time with him. His death made me realize that what they told us as kids was correct. We should value someone we care about before it's too late.
If I could only tell him one thing, I wouldn't hesitate to tell him how much I appreciate his efforts to provide us with more than we needed—his sacrifice, hardships for our family, and his courage to do what he can to make us happy. If he can only see what I've become and my accomplishments, I hope that I made him proud.
I may not be a perfect son, but I'm proud to have a father like him, and nothing will change that.
I may not have the ability to bring my father back. But what I can do is continue striving in life and make sure that his dreams for us will come true.
Before we reach the end of this article, I will leave a few messages for the people.
Today's generation is very different from youngsters in the past; some may be influenced by technology or by their surroundings and people. Regardless of the circumstances, don't let those issues and problems separate you from your family.
I am also aware that people are having difficult times or problems with their families because I have been there, but do not let it take away the bond between you and your loved ones.
You may say that our circumstances are different, and it is easy to say because I am not walking in another person's shoes who is currently in a difficult situation with their folks. Yes, it is indeed different. I may not be experiencing the same heartbreaking, soul-crushing, and devastating circumstances as the others. However, I also believe that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, no matter how dark or how bad you are going through, there will come a time when you will get through them. At that very moment, I hope that you and your family will get closer and stronger than ever.
Not only your biological family. I'm also referring to individuals dear to your heart and others you care about. Thus, "family don’t end with blood" (Bobby Singer).
We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, and we have no idea if there will be another day for them or us. That's why you should give importance to the person you care about while you still can.
With all your time, cherish them, value them, give them the love they deserve, and show them that they matter to you.
"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."
- Desmond Tutu
Have you seen 1st and 2nd Article? If not yet, you can always read them here:
Article 1: Converting Your Plans into Meaningful Actions
Article 2: Life: Meaning We Can Create
Make the most out of your time here! Below are the links to the following articles of Life Exploration for you to indulge in. Feel free to explore them also.
Enjoy your reading!
Article 3: Don’t Wait Before It’s Too Late
Article 4: Beyond Tangible Possessions: The Value of Personality Over Materialism
Article 5: The Person Underneath The Mask
Article 6: The Goodness Inside of Us
Article 7: Focus on Your Own Footsteps
Article 8: Practical Ways to Achieve Success
Article 9: Build Your Confidence: Increase Your Self-Esteem and Stop Self-Hatred
Article 10: Face Your Fears: You’re In Control
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