The Fear of Losing a Loved One

Dear Friends,

Say what you need to say...

Have you ever been scared, really scared, of losing someone you love?

My father was enjoying a game of basketball with my uncle. Shortly after the game, the nagging back pain he'd been experiencing on and off for months returned. My strong, healthy dad was in enough discomfort to go to the doctor.

A shock went through my entire body when he called to give me the results of his visit.

What we thought was pain from a simple sports injury turned out to be lung cancer. It had already spread throughout his body and into his bones.

After hearing the news, I was flooded with thoughts of how much my dad has given me. I wondered if he really knew how much having him as my dad shaped so much of who I had become as a person. I started thinking of how much he meant to me, and how different life would be without his humor, his intelligence, and his wit. I thought of all I hadn't said to him, how much I loved, admired and appreciated him... and how much I want to tell him. I was sure he has no idea.

Last month, well before hearing the news, I found myself talking about the "bucket list" in class -- about how most of us live as we will live forever. We gave out paper and had everyone write their own list of the things they wanted to do before they died.

Think about it -- What's on your list? What would thrill you? What would you love to do if you could "get around to it?" Life is so uncertain. Make your list, start doing those things and start being the person you want to become "one day," because we never know how many days we have.

In every yoga class, we practice Savasana (corpse pose). Did you ever wonder why? We use Savasana to practice our death, to remind us how to live each day as a precious gift, not to be wasted. We never get a day back. Think of the people you love the most... Who can you express your love or appreciation too? What do you need to say? Who do you want to be? How do you want to be remembered?

Don't wait for life to throw you a curve ball. Go and love your people now -- and say what you need to say.

Thank you for taking time in your precious day to share this with me.

I love you all and am grateful to have you in my life.