The mother of a friend of mine passed away recently. This was the first significant death that my friend had experienced.

They knew people that had died.

But this was the first death of someone they loved.

Someone they cared deeply for.

And it shook them.

They are in their late sixties and had never experienced grief before.

It’s an emotion that most people will experience if they live long enough.

Some people discover it earlier than others.

The gift of grief, if it doesn’t break you, is that you realize that life is finite.

It’s short.

And unpredictable.

Most of us understand the concept that life is short. But secretly don’t think it applies to us.

Grief will kick you in the gut and knock the wind out of you.

Take nothing for granted.

When you are in the present, be present.

Tell the people you love that you love them.

Don’t wait.

Don’t put off the important things.