Too Late??

You never know when your last breath will be taken or the last beat of your heart silenced. . .
The passage of time, the cycles of life come and go. The new life of Spring becomes the full life of Summer, Summer's life fades into the restful Autumn, Autumn yields to the slumber of Winter, and the metamorphosis from birth to rebirth begins again and again. Life comes and the passing of life comes as well.

As I sit here at 3 A.M. contemplating 39 previous "New Years," I remember friends being made and friendships fading into the silence of distant memories. I remember school grades, tests, and graduations. I remember various trials and tribulations in school, at home, . . . in life in general. Many successes, failures, loves, losses, and lessons - some learned the easy way and some not so easy.

Through all the experiences I have had, something has remained constant; some inner knowing that has reminded me that it is all worth it.

Thinking about all of this, I cannot help but also think about the aspirations, dreams, goals that I have that may never be realized as well as those that have and will be. I must also take special note of the people who have shared this journey with me.

Along the path, some have been constant companions and some have been short term visitors who walked a few miles and went their separate way. Some were not there physically but were there in heart and in spirit.

I have no idea if tonight, this chapter called "Physical Life" will end. . .I may not see the sunrise of morning with my physical eye. That thought once flooded my being with fear and now where fear once reigned... peace has taken over!

Now, I am comforted in knowing that death does not exist.

When one chapter ends, the story goes on.
When the body stops traveling, the spirit journeys onward.
All of that being said, I felt the need NOW to say a few things that often go unsaid...

Thank you - for participating in this journey, this adventure called life.

Thank you for choosing to accept and to love me; for being there in some way and sharing your life with me.

Despite the ups and downs, goods and bads, smiles and frowns, tears and laughs, I am eternally grateful.

I would not change a thing! It has all been perfect and has served a purpose greater than I could ever envision or imagine...

Thank you for being a part of that Purpose with me.

For anything that I may have done or said that ever caused you pain, I am sorry! It was never my intention or desire to hurt you. For anything that I did not say but could have or should have - I am sorry. All to often we believe that we have time tomorrow to do what we could have done today. . . why put it off?

Tomorrow as we know is not promised and may not arrive.
So TODAY - I am telling you that your time, your patience, your compassion, your understanding, help, faith, and love are appreciated! THANK YOU!

For being who you are - I love you!

For letting me be who I am - I love you!

Remember, when the flesh and blood vehicle ceases to travel this journey, the spirit goes forward.

My spirit and my greatest hopes for you will always be with you because that's what "I love you" means!

Forever and always
your Friend
Ray