As we grow from child to adult, most of us learn quickly that life and happy moments are fleeting and life passes us by way too fast.  As we age, the people we hold most dear are often taken from us before we've had the chance to say everything we hold deep in our hearts.  But as an adult, we rise above the sadness and the pain, say goodbye in our own ways and trudge forward with our daily existence.

This weekend my family experienced the passing of a loved family member.  As parents, my husband and I once again needed to delve into the abstract world of death.  My three kids (14, 12 & 7) all have their own ideas about this sad fact of life.

My youngest is still too young to comprehend.  My oldest, deals with sorrow in his own private way.

My middle son BT, came to both the wake and the funeral.  My son not only stood like a man should, strong and confident, he sat and cried.  His tears were born of sadness, both for his loss and for the deep sympathy he felt for his Aunt. As I stood and watched, he introduced himself to people he didn't know.  He joked with adults he'd just met.  He hugged those in need of warmth and attention.

With hubster out of town on a business trip, my son stood by my side at the funeral this morning.  He touched my arm as I cried and held my hand walking to the car.  At lunch, my little man, didn't sit next to me.  He sat with his Grandfather, a man he looks up to and adores.  He spoke intelligently and with compassion to those grieving around him. As a mother I couldn't have asked for more or been more proud.

As I looked down at the end of the long restaurant table, I saw before me - a man.  No longer a little boy clinging to my legs, afraid to face the world without me by his side. But a young confident man, well on his way to growing into the adult I'd always hoped he would be.

On the way home in the car, he told me how much he loves his family - not just our immediate family - but those he'd just met.  He hopes to see them again, to share happy memories.

And so it begins, the torch has been passed to the next generation.

So tell those around you today - that you love them.  Don't miss your chance.

Deb