When Someone is in Your Heart, They are Never Truly Gone
“You might call it a ghost story. But every family is a ghost story. The dead sit at our tables long after they have gone.” –Mitch Albom
The touching story of For One More Day is heart-wrenching and beautifully (and almost painfully) portrayed. Not only because of the tough encounters of the main character, Chick, but also because it mirrors something we are all guilty of: taking our loved ones for granted.
In the story, the protagonist, Charles “Chick” Benetto, had an eccentric yet meaningful encounter with his deceased mother after a suicide attempt. Throughout the novel, Albom inlaid notes from the mother throughout Chick’s life, and sections of Times (Chick) Did Not Stand Up For His Mother. Every chapter of the novel is like a brushstroke, painting this beautiful picture of a son with his elderly mother –raising the question: what would you do if you had one more day with someone you wish you had cherished more?
Our human nature is often the betrayer of the most invaluable things. Our families’ love often flows so purely and abundantly to the point we don’t overlook it. Our stubbornness, desire for status and materialism, and our “you don’t get it, mom” ended up becoming the stains of guilt that would for scar us forever.
—
10 years ago, on a hot summer night in Las Vegas, the heat boiled my temper at a family gathering at my aunt’s house. The atmosphere was joyous, family chatter and games made it one of the most memorable nights of my life. As the night winds down and family member leaves, I decided to stay at my aunt’s that night and we begin to figure out the room situation.
You see, in my mind, I wanted to share a room with my favorite cousin, but one excuse after another, I don’t know why I just wouldn’t say the words, “I wanna share a room with Jordan!”
My temper began to boil.
Jordan stayed at a room upstairs, and my grandma stayed a room upstairs with the coolest air conditioning.
“Big Head (my childhood nickname because I actually had an abnormally large head), why don’t you come downstairs and share a room with me? The AC is really strong and you will be cool there.” My grandma said so softly and dearly.
“It’s not that complicated grandma! Let me stay upstairs!” I replied with impatience and frustration shouting behind those words.
“Ok, you’re right. Good Night Timmy,” and she walked down the stairs slowly and quietly, with one hand on the handrail.
Maybe she asked out of care, fearing I might get too hot during the night. Maybe she asked because she wanted to stay with me, as I get to see her maybe for two weeks every year. But, the reality is, she loved me and I was blinded. I was so driven at my goals at the time; I pushed her out of the way.
Today, as I sit in front of the computers with all 10 fingers on the keyboard, I could only wish for one more day with her. One night to chat, one minute to say I am sorry, or one second to say I love you.
“It’s such a shame to waste time. We always think we have so much of it,” – Mitch Albom.
—
Stories can move you, it can touch your heart, it can paint a picture in your head, but you decide what you are going to do with it. We all have regrets and guilt; times in which we take our loved ones for granted. Sadly, those memories are there forever.
Today, however, the choice is yours. I challenge you to pick up a phone and just to tell someone you love that you love them. Thank them. And I promise that is also a memory that will never be forgotten.
“You can go your whole life collecting days, and none will outweigh the one you wish you had back.” – Mitch Albom.
