Waste Not



When we are old
our lives become the
sum of all whom we
have loved.  It is
important not to
waste anyone.

~ Bernard L. Lifshutz

I read this quote on
a park bench on
the River Walk
in San Antonio, Texas.

It made a home in
my heart and I have
cradled it there for
the last month.




All of the
natural disasters
around the globe
this year ~

earthquakes
tsunamis
flooding
tornados
wild fires

have made this
quote especially
meaningful to me.




When interviewed,
individuals who have 
narrowly escaped one 
of these tragedies 
typically aren't
mourning the loss
of their possessions.
It's the people 
who may have perished
that cause the tears to flow.
Or, they are celebrating;
Thank God we all
made it out okay!


I love collecting things and
I love reading about the 
collections of others, too.
But when it comes down to it, 
the most priceless collection
of all is truly those people
who we have loved.


Because really, at the
end of our lives, it's
our relationships
that we cherish above
all else.

husbands and wives
moms and dads
sons and daughters
friends
brothers and sisters
grandparents
beloved pets
aunts and uncles
friends who feel like family

The sum of
us.




We've had a full moon
these past few nights and
when I gaze at it pinned 
up in the sky, surrounded
by stars, I think of people
on that list who are no longer
here on earth to share this
beauty with me.  And yet,
they will always be a part
of that unique equation 
that is mine, alone.



For them and for those who
I am still lucky enough to
share the journey with, I
don't want to squander full
moons or bear hugs, bare
feet in the grass or early
morning sunlight caressing my
 face.  I want to recognize
and remember it all.  I don't
want to frivol away any of it.




The changing seasons have a way of 
sharpening the senses, of refocusing
 the lens on this glorious earth that
we call home.  I hope that you
get the opportunity to revel in its 
magic over the next few days with
someone who loves you.... Or
perhaps sit quietly in the sunshine, 
connecting with the 
memory of someone dear,
who was integral to the 
sum 
of
YOU.

It is important not to waste anyone.

Have a beautiful day,

xx
Suzanne


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