Little did I know at the time this photo was taken that this would end being the last picture I have with my grandma. For as long as i can remember, I dreamed of my grandmother sitting front row at my graduation. Her decline was rapid and unforeseen, and she passed away two days after Christmas, six months shy of seeing me and my brother walk across the stage with our high school diplomas in hand. I am not writing this to tell you all of how my grandma died. I am writing about this because I feel like it represents a crucial lesson in our lives that we tend to push to the back of our minds. As cheesy as it sounds, cherish every moment with your family and friends because you never know when that moment could be the last. I'm not saying anything bad is going to happen to you or anyone else in the near future, but we need to be reminded of how fragile life is.

It's been nearly a year and a half since she passed away, and many times I ask myself: where did the time go? I regret all the things I wish I had said to her while she was still on this earth with us, but never got to say. Remember not to waste a moment, and if there's something on your mind, say it. Do it. Don't wait. Because all too soon it will be too late and the chance will be swept away.

All I have to remember my strong and beautiful grandmother today is the golden watch I wear on my wrist every day, the very watch she was wearing as she took her last breath in the hospital.

Photo credit: Bess Bloomer

My mission here is not to depress you with a sad story. Because the seventeen years I had with my grandma were some of the best of my life, and we had plenty of amazing memories and experiences. Though she is no longer present, I hold fond memories of us playing games of “Authors” that seemed to last hours and having sleep overs at her apartment. Everytime I said goodbye to her after a visit, she would clasp my hand and ask: “Now remember, what is the most important beauty?” Dutifully, I would repeat back to her: “the kind of beauty that is found on the inside.” Now, looking back, I realize just how special this was, and helped engrave in me a sense of self-assuredness and the importance of treating others with love and fairness. These memories you share with people can be so strong that they will never fade from your consciousness, and may continue to have an impact on you throughout your entire life.

I just want to say here that we can never take time for granted, because all too quickly and easily our concept of stability can be rocked to its core when something unexpected occurs in our lives. Always be honest with yourself and others, and make the most out of every moment.