When someone dies, even a celebrity or public figure that we don't even know personally, there is a trend of replacing our profile pictures on social media to that of the deceased as a way to honor their memories. Even though I think it's nice that people want to show their love and honor those who have passed, every time I see that happen I can't help but wonder why we don't honor them while they are still alive to see it themselves?
Can you imagine the feeling of opening up your Facebook one morning and everyone you know has changed their pictures to a photo of you? What if their posts that day were a story of how loved you are and how much they admire you and need you in their lives?
Too often, we humans don't even give much thought to the important people we do life with. Maybe it's our nature to think they'll always be there, maybe it's because we would be uncomfortable sharing our feelings publicly about that person, or maybe it's just because we are just plain selfish and we truly don't think much about them because we are so focused on us!
Too often, we humans don't even give much thought to the important people we do life with. Maybe it's our nature to think they'll always be there, maybe it's because we would be uncomfortable sharing our feelings publicly about that person, or maybe it's just because we are just plain selfish and we truly don't think much about them because we are so focused on us!
Now, I get that it would really freak you out to see your picture flood Facebook while you are still alive! If I looked at Facebook and saw my picture and a post about me pop up on everyone's page at once, I would probably think for a minute that maybe I had died and just didn't know it yet! But why don't we make a conscience effort, not just on social media but in real life, to tell those we love how important they are to us? Why do we often not realize how we need them until they are gone?
My parents are in the final years of their lives. Both are in poor health and my dad was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I don't know how much longer I have to tell them and to show them that I love them, but I want to make sure that I never miss the opportunity to say how I feel while I still can. I want them to know they are not alone in their suffering. I want them to know I value them and appreciate them. I want nothing to be left unsaid, and I sure don't want to leave things I should be doing for them undone.
You don't have to be old or even be sick to die. We have also had young friends and relatives who have died recently. I always wonder when I hear of one of these unexpected deaths what that person's loved ones said to them the last time they spoke. I wonder if they had known it would be the last time they would have to speak to the person they love if they would have said or done something differently.
You don't have to be old or even be sick to die. We have also had young friends and relatives who have died recently. I always wonder when I hear of one of these unexpected deaths what that person's loved ones said to them the last time they spoke. I wonder if they had known it would be the last time they would have to speak to the person they love if they would have said or done something differently.
Honestly, I think most people would wish they had another chance to make sure that person knew how deeply they were loved, even if they regularly spoke it and showed it already. I think at the moment the news came that their loved one was gone, most people would immediately wish they hadn't worried so much about some of the frivolous things we tend to focus on. I think most would immediately wish they had a do-over.
Find someone you love and vow to honor them today, while they can see it! Show up unexpectedly with a special treat, send a card, or give them a call. Tell them how important they are to you. Remind them that they are cherished. Change your profile picture to a picture of them! Love them today like there's no tomorrow!
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
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