A Mom and More

Does it matter if you have a room full of flowers, candles burning whole night long, visitors complimenting you for your unforgettable good deeds, hearing about how you’ve touched people’s lives, and perpetual mass offerings — when you are already dead?

Oftentimes, when a close relative or friend passes away unexpectedly, we feel sad and regret not having expressed our feelings for them by saying “I love you”, “I am sorry” or “Thank you”; for not having spent more time with them; forgetting to call, visit or send greetings on special occasions; refusing to help even with their simple requests; and not giving them flowers while they could still appreciate and smell them. Time is too short and we never really know when death would come to us or to our loved ones. Rather than feel sorry, it would be a good habit to practice loving and caring enough for our family and friends NOW, not tomorrow or on a forthcoming occasion or when we have more time because it may never happen: we may not make it on time.

The following poem “One Little Rose” from an anonymous writer serves as a reminder about giving love and the best we can to our loved ones, now.

I would rather have one little rose
From the garden of a friend,
Than to have the choicest flowers
When my stay on earth must end.

I would rather have one pleasant word
In kindness said to me,
Than flattery when the heart is still
And life has ceased to be.

I would rather have a loving smile
From friends I know are true,
Than tears shed round my casket
When this world I’ve bid adieu.

Bring me all your flowers today
Whether pink, or white, or red;
I’d rather have one blossom now
Than a truckload when I’m dead!

When my father-in-law died, I felt that his relatives and friends liked and loved him since many sent big, beautiful and expensive floral stands to the funeral home. I am very sure that he never received flowers in his lifetime which he would have appreciated more and I am guilty I never thought of giving him any then.

Of what use to the dead would flowers be when he/she can no longer see their beauty and smell their sweetness? I would rather receive flowers, praises and love while I am alive.