Cherish.

“Cherish what you have now, because you don’t know when you’re going to lose it.”

Everyone knows the truth in this sentence, but how many of us honestly remember it consciously? As we get swept up in all that life throws us – like school, work and relationships – it gets harder to appreciate the little things that really matter. And many times, we only realise its utmost importance and meaning when it’s gone.

Not that I’m being cynical and pessimistic, but really, how will we know what will happen over the next few days since we have absolutely no control over its course? We can plan all we want, but since the future is uncertain, anything could just come up and wreck everything.

This brings to mind the unexpected death of prominent businesswoman Diana Young on Sep 27. For many reading the newspaper the next day, it would’ve probably been just another road accident victim. But her death made quite an impact to many of those around me, especially in church, as Ms Young was the mother of 2 youths in my youth group, aged 17 and 15.

It was over dinner on the day of her accident (Sep 26) that my sister told us of Ms Young’s fatal car accident in China, adding that she was fighting for her life at that very moment. The news stunned us.

The next day, my mom SMS-ed me while I was heading to town to tell me that she had passed away. And that totally stopped me in my tracks.

I can’t imagine what the family must’ve gone through, especially with the whirlwind chain of events that was just hitting them blow after blow. It saddened me that all this had to happen while Ms Young was overseas; alone and miles away from her home and loved ones. And what it must have been particularly painful that none of them got to say goodbye.

As I walked home, I tried to see myself in her children’s shoes – the pain of losing their mom so suddenly - and honestly, it scared the heck out of me.

My biggest fear in life isn’t the typical girly ones like bugs (except cockroaches), dirty nails or mismatched clothes. Mine is losing my mom.

When I got home, I gave my mom a big hug and told her that I love her.

She laughed and said, “It’s scary, isn’t it?”

“Don’t worry, “ she added, “I’ll be around a while longer.”

I love my mom so much it hurts.

So, even when I’m tied down with my commitments, I now make it a point to take time out to think of and appreciate all that I’m thankful for: a stable country, a loving home with all my needs provided for, the freedom to worship God, an education, my family and friends – and even things like my natural surroundings. Nature’s awesome beauty just makes me so thankful I’m alive.

::Michelle::
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