Reporter's Reflections Archive

Memorial Day is the time when we remember those who have gone ahead of us “to the other side.” There are times in my life when I feel that I am too young to know so many who have passed.

Of course, as in every year, I think of those who I knew and loved who are now gone, my father, grandparents, friends. Some died naturally, some died tragically, but even years after they are gone, they sometimes show up in my dreams and we talk and visit as though we have not missed a day.

 I’m not sure how others feel when they dream about loved ones passed, but I often think it is a way that those who have gone ahead can still visit and be with us. For me, it is a joy, not a nightmare, to dream of talking again with my father, or running through the fields with Little One, the beagle we lost last year.

I cherish these dreams, and lie in bed when I wake, trying to remember every last detail. I have wakened from these dreams still smelling Daddy’s Aspen aftershave, or the musky scent of Little One’s coat.

How often loved ones who have lost someone say, “If I only had one more chance . . .”. So often we wish we had taken the time to say, “I love you,” or “Thank you” or “You are important in my life.”

 Don’t wait until someone is gone to tell them you love them, that they are important to you. Heart attacks, car wrecks, tragic accidents happen with no prior notice. The only way to prevent those regrets, those “if onlys” or “I wish” is to tell the people you love every day how special they are, how much you care.

 In most cases, I feel fortunate. In my family, “I love you” ends every phone conversation. Neither my husband nor I leave the house without hearing those words.

My father died knowing I adored him, respected him, and loved him. Even my beagle died in my arms with my soft whispers in her ears, and my fingers gently rubbing her tummy. But, in a few instances, I have regrets, and wish I had spoken before it was too late. Now, I have guilt and remorse, when all I had to do was say something.