Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Next Time


It's about a 4 hour drive from Ottawa to my home. 
When I take "the scenic route", I pass by Silver Lake.






I always mean to stop there for a few minutes to enjoy the view.
However, that would get me to my destination later and I tell myself I'll stop next time.


Yesterday, while making the trip home, I parked the car and walked around, even though the warm spell was over and it was below zero (Celsius). There was a cold breeze, but the sun was shining on Silver Lake and I stopped long enough to appreciate the pretty spot. It didn't seem right to wait until next time.



Three weeks ago, my elderly aunt was told she had cancer and had only weeks to live. We visited with each other twice and she remained the same gracious, loving, strong-minded, unassuming, bright woman she had always been.

I attended my aunt's memorial service, in Ottawa, this past weekend.
Last week, she had told her children that it was her time.

The way my aunt lived reminds me that I need to "do better" with this day and not wait until next time

16 comments:

  1. I am sorry to hear about your aunt. Your message to "make today count" is a great one. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. My deepest condolences on the passing of your Aunt. She sounds like a wonderful person. It is so true that the "here and now" counts the most --not the future that may never come. I am also trying hard to make those present moments count. {{ hugs}}

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  3. I'm sooty to hear of the passing of your aunt. Her memory will live on in your heart.

    I love Silver Lake, about an hour away from us, and we camped there many times.

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  4. Wonderful insight! We never know if there will be "a next time." Better to stop and smell the roses and take in the view today.
    Brenda

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  5. I do try to take it "one day at a time" and to "seize the moment", it has helped me the last few years. I am sorry for your loss. xo

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  6. Beautiful lake. My sister asked me today why Joe and I did not celebrate birthdays and anniversary's very big. I said we think every day is a holiday and every meal is a feast. Why not celebrate life every single day? Just as you did with enjoying and celebrating your beautiful yet chilly view of the lake.

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  7. Hello Karen
    Sorry to hear about your aunt, I'm sure she was happy you got to see her before her time. I'm glad you stopped at Silver Lake and shared the surrounding beauty with us.
    After reading the above comments, yes, let's all live for today!
    Judith

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  8. Karen I am so glad you got to visit with your aunt before it was her time. And I'm glad you took the time to stop and enjoy the beauty of Silver Lake. (You even captured a barn!) We all need to remember to enjoy today and not wait until next time.
    Hugs, Barb

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  9. It's so good that you were able to see your aunt before she passed - and how wonderful to have her example!
    I know someone who lives at Silver Lake - such a small world!

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  10. Sorry to hear of the passing of your aunt. It sounds like she held a very special place in your heart and even though she has passed she will always be there.
    I live about 40 minutes from Silver Lake and camped regularly with my girls. One of the trditions we had on our way home was to stop at the tiny Dairy Queen in Perth for ,you guessed it, a soft dip!

    I rencently discovered your blog and am enjoying it very much.
    Check mine out!

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  11. Hi,Karen.
    I am sorry to hear about the passing of your aunt.
    She and her encouraging words will remain in your memory.

    Tomoko

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  12. What a precious post. I'm so sorry about your aunt passing. It was so nice you had those few precious weeks with her and the wonderful lesson she taught you. Hold on to that lesson and never let it go. Death has a way of showing us we must make time to smell the roses. Thank you for sharing with us.
    Cindy

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  13. Sorry to read of the sad news but this post is a beautiful tribute to your Aunt.

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  14. I'm sorry to hear the sad news of your aunt. It's true we should try and appreciate each moment to the full, and do the things we might otherwise put off till another time.
    Take care, Karen.
    Helen x

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