(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

A lot of people quote, “We’re not promised tomorrow.” Most everyone agrees. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot on the subject. About a year and a half ago I would have died if my husband had not called an ambulance for me. I felt life slipping away days leading up to that morning. I was ready to go, saying subtle good-byes to the ones I loved. It wasn’t my time though and 3 units of blood brought me back.

Lately because I am no longer a candidate for reconstructive surgery on my back I feel it is only a short time until my back totally collapses. That would mean I no longer could stand or sit up. I’m just about busy all the time. Sitting still is almost impossible for me. I have to be doing something. So I don’t think I could live lying all the time, needing to be taken care of. It wouldn’t be fair to my family either. I’m not giving up. I’m accepting what is probably in my near future.

There are times I think next year or next month blah, blah, blah. Then it hits me, why make plans when I most likely won’t be here. Is this how people who are terminally ill feel? One moment you are planning what you want and the next all the great plans in the world won’t change what’s coming. How do you hold on to the joy in each day? One day at a time. One memory, one joyful moment at a time, that’s how. You try to find pleasure in everything you do. You try to make sure you have said all you needed to say to the people in your life who count. Try to stress to loved ones how important time is to you. Say the things you put off saying before it’s too late. Talking over what comes after you are gone is too painful for some. They don’t want to hear it. For others, it makes what’s coming easier.

I had a friend who told her husband not to be alone to move on and find another love. He did. I’m afraid I’m not that generous. I said it was all right if my husband got a dog for companionship. After almost 55 years together we agreed neither of us would be looking for a new spouse.

I keep going back and forth with the idea that God will only let me suffer so long. Then He will take me where there will be no pain. This is my way of telling you I’m all right with my future. I’d love a lot more time with my family especially my young grandchildren but we have made happy memories together.

I told a friend of mine who is having trouble accepting that we are getting older; we move on so new babies can come into this world. We weren’t meant to be here forever. That’s just the way life is; you are born, you grow up, grow old, then you die. What you do in between is what counts. Sure, make plans so if tomorrow comes, but enjoy each day as if it is your last. Remember we’re not promised tomorrow.

Bonnie Eaton

Vienna