Years ago a friend of mine told me that her husband left on a business trip. It was the only day he did not kiss her goodbye. Unfortunately, he perished in a plane crash, leaving a void in her life. And that final goodbye never happened.
In the past, Rohini would occasionally rush out of the house without saying goodbye. Not any more. As I have gotten older, I have learned to appreciate the fragility of life, and do not take the simple things for granted.
It’s a small gesture that is now an unspoken rule in our home. It takes a second to say goodbye. There are those unfortunate few, who will never get that chance again.
About Hemant Rustogi
What a nice reminder. I was just pondering this thought this summer as my boys go to bed each evening. The school year is filled with structure. There is a bed time, books read together, kisses, snuggles and prayers. Now that they are 12 and 8 I have let them stay up with more freedom this summer. As they play Minecraft or watch their favorite movie, I found I would fall asleep before they were ready. I have decided those precious bed time rituals should not be forgotten even in my older boys newly found evening freedom. Each moment is precious and even saying good night each evening with a meaningful hug is something I would like to keep!