If Tomorrow Never Comes

I felt sad to learn of the sudden death of a schoolmate’s young son recently. Motorcycle accident. I paused for a moment and said a prayer in my heart for the eternal repose of his soul.

Life’s tragedies are very hard to fathom, indeed.

I am reminded of Anna Liza who is a janitress in a plush hotel whom I met last week. She told me that her “special” daughter passed away at the age of 17. I asked her if she felt that God is unfair for not letting her spend a longer time with her. She replied, “No, Ma’am. From the moment she was born, I knew that she would be taken away from me any moment. I was just blessed to have her under my care. Although, she could not speak and never had the chance to go to school and mingle with other children, we spoke our love to each other through sign language.”

She took a deep breath, and continued, “There are times when I’d miss her presence, especially if I see the chair she would sit on while watching TV. But I have already accepted her fate. Although God didn’t give me a normal child, still I am thankful for having her even in a short span of time. And I feel that God really loves her. She died in her sleep.”

An unknown writer enthuses: “Our life on earth is a borrowed time. We are just passing through; hence, let’s not take our loved ones for granted.” And the writer further shares his thoughts:

• If, I knew it would be the last time that I’d see you fall asleep, I would have tucked you in more tightly, and pray to the Lord for your soul to keep.

• If, I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would have given you a hug and a kiss, and called you back once more.

• If, I knew, it would be the last time I’d hear your voice, I would have videotaped each action and word, so I could play back them back each day.

• If, I knew it would be the last time I could spare an extra minute with you, I would have often said, “I love you,” instead of assuming you know.

• If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share my moments with you, I should have spent more time with you.

• If I had known that I may never see you tomorrow, I should have used this moment wisely, for soon it will pass away, and be lost forever as part of yesterday.

I should have exercised more compassion to my fellowmen, helped the fallen to their feet again, be a friend to the friendless to make their lives complete. The unkind things I do today may never be undone, and the friendship that I fail to win may never be won. But, if I may have another chance on bended knees to pray, I would thank God with a humble heart for giving me this day. If tomorrow never comes, I just want to say that you are dear to me, and I love you all the way.