At the End of the Day, THIS is What Matters

The important text message always comes through when you aren’t available.

Or, in my case, while you’re eating queso and laughing with girlfriends.

Tuesday night, I was just finishing up a lovely dinner with some great gals when I got the news. My step-grandmother had died unexpectedly. My grandfather is now burying his third wife. He’s 90, she was 84.

Their life, and love story, has given me much to reflect upon these last few days. Ultimately? That we should all have a life as blessed and happy as theirs. Because in the end, it’s love that matters. Love of God, love of spouse, love of children, love of friends, love of faith, love of vocation – those matter. Those transcend this life and take us to the next.

Many of my friends are struggling in their marriages. I take their pain and suffering to the Eucharist every time I attend Mass and implore God to fill their hearts with His love. Okay, it’s more like begging, but implore sounds so much more refined.

My grandfather is the survivor of a World War and has married, and buried, three beautiful women. He’s survived a horrible car accident, braved a broken knee at 88 and yet, it only mildly slowed him down. He’s tough, inside and out. As we spend the next few days giving tribute to his late wife’s life and surrounding him with love, prayers and support, I ask one thing of you:

Go love your people. I mean, like really love them. If you have an addiction, own it and take steps to conquer it. If you have less than admirable friends, find new ones. If you hate your job, start finding your dream one. If you have work to do as a parent, get on it.

Y’all, our breaths really are numbered. Life’s too short to waste them.

And, Great Betty? May you rest in peace. The joy you brought to my grandfather was such a gift. I’ve never seen him happier.