Don't Wait for the Funeral

Fellow SOBCon attendee Chris Cree recently shared a powerful reminder:

Don't wait for the funeral to visit.

MP3 File

This past weekend I went "up north" with my wife to visit my 83 year old grandmother, to say goodbye and I love you one last time before she goes to heaven. My brother came home from Seattle, my other brother and his wife and 2 month old baby went home too.

We all spent a few short minutes with grandma (she's old and weak and doesn't stay awake for long periods of time) and we loved on her a bit. We said our goodbyes, knowing this may be the last time we get to hug her, to kiss her, to let her know we appreciate all she did for us.

Tonight while I was grilling dinner, my wife and I were talking about our family and who we've lost. Her brother passed 3 years ago, my aunt and grandmother the year after that, Kim's uncle the next year, and on and on. We took time while they were all alive to let them know we loved them, and how much they meant to us.

Today, my greatness is borrowed from Mr. Cree: Don't wait for the funeral to visit. Take the time RIGHT NOW and let people know you love them. Share the difference they make in your life. And encourage others to do the same. Because once they're gone, it's too late.

Comments

[Drew McLellan]

Phil,

I'm sorry that your grandma is weakening and I'm glad you were able to spend this weekend with her and the rest of your family.

Take heart my friend. Knowing you as I do -- I know that your grandma had no doubts about your love for her.

You just emit love and affection. It's definitely part of who you are.

Drew

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Thank you Drew. I appreciate your kind words very much.

And I know Grandma is going home to be with the Lord. I take great comfort in that.

[Kim of "Kim & Jason"]

I'm with Drew! He said exactly what I was thinking!

What a blessing to be able to gather together as a family to say goodbye and I love you. So many people don't have that opportunity. We'll be praying for you. It's never easy to say goodbye to someone you love, even when you know they are going to be with our Father.

Hugs to you both, Phil and Kim!!

[Jason of "Kim & Jason"]

Too true. My prayers are with you and your family and your Grandma.

My grandma is also not doing so well, she's battling cancer and no one knows how long she has left. My wife Kim is great at reminding me to make the most of the time we have left. She is always sending postcards to my grandma (and hers, too) from all of our speaking trips. It's a small thing (and something I probably would overlook) but it means so much to them.

[Matt]

Very good Advice Phil, thank you, and I am glad there are people who believe the way you do. Thank you again. :)

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Kim and Jason - thanks so much for your kind words. You are both such a blessing to me! Can't wait to catch up with you both in person again!

Matt - You are welcome. Glad that being me works for you. It works for me too :)

[Lucia]

Thanks for the advice Phil.
I called my parents right after I read your post.

God Bless

[mitch]

Great stuff as always Phil.

Yup... I don't think we can be reminded of this too much!

Keep up the great work buddy!

Mitch

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Lucia: Hope your parents are well. Glad my post could spark a bit of action for you. I know thinking about this did for me too.

Mitch: More reminders is never a bad thing in my opinion. Glad to share some great stuff with you!

[Claire]

Here's to the beginning of a great friendship! Great blog!