We all have them at some point. Some of us are more fortunate to have them even into our older years. They are wise because they have the experience that life demands, and they are caring because they know how difficult and merciless the real world really is. These people are our grandmothers, grandfathers, great uncles, and aunts. These are the most important part of any family not just because they laid the current foundation but because they guide us, they know what is best for us and they will always be devoted to preparing us for the future, whatever it may bring.
Recently, I have been fortunate enough to travel to my grandparents' old hometown in Mexico. As most people know, Mexico is not the most tourist friendly country in the world right now, due to it's corrupt government officials and drug cartel. So I consider it a miracle to be able to see my grandparents again after almost eight years of not visiting. Around December of last year, we received the heartbreaking news that my great aunt, my grandmother’s sister who was an amazing woman that raised me for most of my childhood, had sadly passed away. I remember being in denial, not wanting to believe it.
However, I had to face reality, especially when I witnessed my mother break down in front of our whole family. I have only seen my mother cry two times: when my sister was born and the day we were told that my great aunt had passed. I was sad, but I found myself not being able to shed a tear. I feel bad, that I did not cry over her death, but part of me believes that it was because I spent a large portion of my life away from her, causing us to become distant. This isn’t to say, by any means, that I did not love her. She was my family, and though I did not know her for long, she did teach me some important life lessons. It’s true what people say, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.
I have cherished memories of her, and those memories are the best gifts she could have ever given me, just as my grandparents are giving me now. It is hard to see how distant my family has become and to know that I may not see them for a long time, if ever again. That is why I must make memories now because all that really matters is how we remember the people in them. They shape us to be the people we become in the future. So, if you are fortunate enough to have your grandfather or grandmother near you, or maybe other extended family members, cherish the moments and time you have left with them in addition to the memories you share with them.
Time is cruel, it takes what we hold most precious to us. It’s how we spend the time that actually matters. Make some memories, tell those close to you that you love them, and always cherish the old ones while you still can.
