A few months ago, I attended a management training in which a campus senior took the lead in the 2nd term. In Q&A session, a participant asked, “What do you think about tradeoff between being active in student organization and quality time for family?”

He quickly answered, “It does exist, actually. But in my opinion, if such tradeoff happens, you’d better go for the organization. You only have 2-3 years to do so, while family will await for you, no matter how long.”

Some of us were disagree. But we kept our mouth shut since we were very very sleepy thus in the least condition for arguing.

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A few days ago, mother of a friend of mine passed away. She suffered complication of two fatal organ diseases, being opnamed for a couple of weeks. My friend’s name is Freddy. Before I continue, if you read this post Fred, I hope you allow me to apologize for wasn’t visiting her both at hospital and funeral. I sent my prayer to her, I’m sure Allah bless your mom. :’)

My point is, when the people you love are gonna leave you forever, which one do you choose: with preparation or without? Some people may choose with preparation for the sake of readiness.

The truth is, no one will ever be ready to let go of those people he/she loves. But, there is something we can do. Don’t you want to be together with them for their last days in this world? Don’t you want to make their last days become memorable? Don’t you want to reassure them how much you love them and that everything will be alright, that someday in the different life you both will meet again? Dont’ you?

I think Freddy and his family are a bit luckier, regardless of the grieve. Yes, the process may cause the sorrow to be more painful. But at least they were given the chance to accompany their mother before her time.

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Then, I suddenly remember that senior’s answer in the training. Ceteris paribus, yes, family (bestfriendship&steady spouse are also applied here) will await us no matter what. But we never know what tomorrow brings. We don’t know how much time left before it’s too late, we never know.

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So, let’s make the people we love the first priority of our time.

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Living might mean taking chances. But they’re worth taking. Loving might be a mistake. But it’s worth making. -Lee Ann Womack