Tomorrow Is Not Promised

IT’S TOO LATE

Are there people in your life who have transitioned to the ‘next life’ because of an accident, a heart attack, or time’s up for a prolonged illness? And you felt terrible because you kept planning to call, or visit, or go out and have a good time like you used to do in the good old days - but it’s too late now.

We keep telling ourselves: tomorrow, next time, someday. Well, life is fleeting. Tomorrow is not promised.

THE ‘LITTLE PEOPLE’

In some parts of the world, today is being celebrated as Thanksgiving Day. Although it is not a holiday for us, join me as I pause and think with fondness of the ‘little people’ in my life.

– The merchandiser who handpicks veggies for me in the supermarket.

– The drugstore supervisor who sources from other branches so she can provide me with my favorite snacks and items which are out of stock in her branch that day.

– The security guard who buys fresh fruits for me from the palengke a block away from where he lives.

– The taxi driver who surprised me by reciting all the lessons he learned from me when I was once his passenger - and I shared with him during traffic: stress management tips for raising kids.

– The ‘jollijeep’ food stall owner who gives me generous amounts of ‘extra soup’ with lots of gulay free of charge.

– The supermarket shift manager who patiently checks inventory in her computer to see if the items I need are in stock.

– The movie theater counter girl who has my ticket ready as I rush into the theater just in the nick of time.

– The laundry shop girls who fold my shawls and scarves exactly the way I wish.

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

You see, it’s not just the ‘big people’ that deserve your thanks. It’s everyone who makes your life a little bit easier. A little bit happier. A little bit stress-free.

I encourage you to stop and think. Who knows, it could be their last day… or yours.

1. Thank you.

2. I’m sorry.

3. I love / appreciate you.

Who are the ‘little people’ in your life that make your days a little bit brighter? Validate them. Let them know that they matter. Life is fleeting. Tomorrow is not promised.

vivienshowandtell@gmail.com