The Unexpected

I was planning on writing a post about the beauty of fall, but with what is happening in the world, I just can’t bring myself to do it right now. That will come next week, my friends.

Instead, I am going to talk about something that I have always believed, but I couldn’t find the right time to write about. With the horrendous events that have happened in Las Vegas, I cannot imagine a better time than right now.

Ever since June 3, 2012, I have cherished every living moment that I have with the people I love. I know never to take a moment for granted, and I know to always say “I love you” before going anywhere. This should be true for everyone in every situation, but I know that we do not all think this way. The sad, harsh reality of life is that you will never know when it is going to end. You will never know when the last moments you spend with someone will be.

I am sure that the 59 people that were brutally murdered in Las Vegas had no idea that October 1, 2017 would be their last night on earth.

I am sure that the family members of some of those people forgot to say “I love you” before their child, sister, brother, father, or mother left for what was supposed to be a fun-filled evening.

I am sure that some of those individuals left this world on bad terms with some of their family members or friends.

I am sure that those people who did not get the chance to let their loved ones know that they were loved will live with immense amounts of pain and regret.

I am sure that none of those people expected the unexpected.

It’s a terrifying concept to think about—losing the people you care most about—but it is something we need to keep in the back of our minds. The people that we love can be gone in an instant. Next time you want to leave in the midst of an argument, ask yourself: Is this argument really worth it? Is my stubbornness enough to keep me from kissing my boyfriend goodnight? Do I really want the last interaction I have with my mother to be a door slamming in her face? How would I feel if I never got another chance to tell my dad that I loved him?

We all assume that we will get the chance to repair relationships, smooth tensions, and solve arguments before it’s too late, but that is not always the case.

Please please please do not leave your friends, family, or significant other without telling them how much you love and care about them. Do not storm off in the middle of an argument, no matter how angry you may be, because if something happened to either one of you, then one of you will be completely shattered.

Coming from one of the most stubborn people you could ever meet, it’s (usually) best to put aside your ego. The words, “I’m still mad at you, but I’ll give you a kiss before you leave,” have come out of my mouth more times than I can count (just ask my boyfriend).

I promise losing a meaningless argument is infinitely better than a lifetime of regret.

As a side note, please keep the victims of the tragic events that happened in Las Vegas in your thoughts and prayers. Pray for their healing. Pray for their families. Pray for the evil in this world to come to an end. Don’t let this tragedy tear this country apart; let it bring us together.

And if you feel like you need to do more than pray, donate.

“The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.” Psalm 11:5