Time

A good friend of mine lost his father yesterday.  He lived to 87, that's 17 years longer than my father who will turn 70 this Friday.  I started thinking about what my father (and I) will see in these next 17 years.  My youngest niece will be in her mid-twenties and possibly a mom by then.  My dad could be a great granddad many times over by then.  So much to see and do, so much to miss if it all ended now.  I wasn't sure if I was feeling glad for my friend that his dad had that long a life (a sentiment shared with my by him) or sad for the rest of us that we might not have that time.  Then I was struck by Nich.  He hit me right in the forehead with his little fist and then laughed at me.  So little time he was given yet such an impact he had, and more importantly, I believe what he missed leaving us so early he more than made up for with love.  He gave as good as he got and boy did he get.  My mother and father, my niece, and my sister Loretta force fed him love 24/7 and they got to immerse themselves in his little world of strength, love, and happiness.  I admit that for some years now I have spent much too much time dwelling on morality.  What have I done, who have I touched?  What will I do with the time left me?  Things are changing, some things are ending, I am trying very hard to focus on those things that are, or maybe, starting.  Thank you Nich for sharing your hope with me, thanks dad for doing the same.  I hope that when all is said and done I will not have left you down, more I hope I will not have left me down.  Thanks for listening ....After a poke I need to apologize, this was written stream of consciousness like.  I know that all my family and friends, nurses, doctors, other patients most I have never met and will always be grateful for.  Your love, prayers, and help have affected and will continue to affect not only Nich and Rhett's lives but all those lives that Nich and Rhett have connected with ...