Love Before It Is Lost

Loss is painful, be it the loss of a loved one, a friend moving away, or the breakup of a relationship.  There is a saying, "time heals all wounds."  This holds true for most physical wounds, but I feel it's not so for the pain of loss.  That pain is soul wrenching.  The wounds are invisible, but their intensity burns all the more for it.  I don't believe time can every truly heal these wounds.  That isn't to say time does not make them more bearable, however.  Time will never cover such an injury with the scars of healing, but can only provide us with the strength and courage to continue our lives. 

I know firsthand the beaten and broken state loss can leave someone in.  The strength to pick oneself up from such a blow seems at first, unobtainable.  Given time, this strength can be found with determination.  For some it may take longer than others, but no matter what, I believe all of us have it within ourselves to rise to such challenges. 

Loss is a powerful tool.  Many times words of advice, suggestions, and even warnings fall on deaf ears until the horrible jolt of losing something precious wakes us up.  It is one of the most difficult things in this world to accept, but sometimes the only thing significant enough to make us open our eyes and change for the better is that incredible loss.

I challenge everyone to take a minute to examine their own lives.  Look at the things you have; look at the people around you.  What aspects of y our life, if lost, would break you?  What kind of loss is capable of stopping you in your tracks and bringing you to your knees?

While I still believe experiencing loss is the only true teacher and the only thing that can really make people appreciate the things they have and the people in their lives, I do hope that we can all take a moment to acknowledge the beautiful things around us.  Call friends and tell them what they mean to you.  Thank parents, grandparents, teachers, and other role models for the guidance, care, and knowledge they have provided you.  Pet your dog or cat.  Hold your lover and love her or him like you never have before.