Just One More Conversation...

This one is raw and unedited.

My mother passed away on June 20, 2013.  She battled an infection for three weeks and was sedated every day except one, Saturday, June 14, 2013.  That day, I was playing in a general business band and we had a wedding at Quidnessett Country Club.  During our set break, I got a phone call.  It was my mother!  She woke up!  We talked for a few minutes and most important, we exchanged our usual “Love You” to end the conversation.  That was the last time I spoke with her.  Hours later she had to be sedated again.

Last night, December 17, was my mother’s birthday.  She would have been 69.  I was once again working with the band at…..Quidnessett Country Club.  Retracing my steps and remembering her voice on that phone call brought me to tears.  What I would give to have just one more conversation with her.  

I see many people hyper-focused on their 9 to 5 (for most, more like every-waking-moment) and sacrificing the “life” side of the “Work – Life” equation.  Incredibly long hours, travel, working moments on mobile devices, missing school assemblies... the list goes on and on.  You all have your reasons why but I am telling you it's time to stop and smell the roses. 

As we go through the holiday season and beyond, I urge you all to recapture the “life” side of the equation.  Put the phone down.  Not every moment is a working moment.  Wake up 15 minutes earlier and eat with your kids or loved ones.  Hug them, kiss them, and ask them about their day... and listen!  Come home early one day and get the kids off the bus.  Eat lunch with your parents or the most important people in your life.  Let them know how important they are to you and always, always, tell them how much you love them.