Walking and Talking with a Friend

When I hear news of someone's struggle with a serious health issue, as I did today (on two occasions, actually), it makes me stop to think.  Deeply.  I find myself thinking, first, about how I spend each day.  Days just fly by, really.  You have the start of a week, and before you know it, it's Thursday or Friday and next week has all sorts of things "penciled in."  Lots of things demanding attention.  Life, in general, demands attention - attention to family, friends, work, daily duties, prayer, and that special friend, the dayplanner.  Like most, I like to plan my days and weeks.  I also like to have a day here and there where I can feel like a sort of free spirit.  Those are the days when I have no scheduled appointments, have the opportunity to attend Daily Mass, swing into one of my favorite discount stores to see what kind of deals I can find, and stop in to visit with my folks.  A nice, simple day, you know?  Get home a little early and sit down for a quiet family dinner.  I know I'm not alone, as I have shared this struggle with many friends over the years.  There is just never enough time to stay in touch with everyone, and it is inevitable that life will include many regrets.  Too many things fall into that "another day" category.  I might put off a call to someone I haven't spoken to in months or even years, a "date" with a good friend or relative I've not visited with for far too long.  What if "another day" never comes?  How can I reduce my regrets?  I think I'd better schedule those phone calls and visits.  Bring some flowers, and blessings, to a friend, and someone I love.