Nancy woke to a knock on her door. The room was dark and she was still holding the picture in her arms. She looked around and heard someone enter through her front door and call her name. She recognized the voice right away. Her son was calling her name and she could hear his footsteps coming down the call.

“Mom, are you okay? Where are you?”

“I’m here”, she called from the bedroom. She put the picture back on the on the nightstand and stood up as he appeared in the doorway of the bedroom. She walked to him, and reached out to hug him. He fell into her arms, already crying when he saw her. She could feel the tears welling in her eyes as they cried together.

“What happened?”, he asked.

She really hadn’t talked about all the events over the last 24 hours with her daughter, but would share everything when she arrived. It would be easier to tell them together than to tell the story twice.

“I know you need to know details, but can we wait for your sister?”

He could see how tired she was and didn’t push any further. They knew that her daughter was on her way and should be there soon. They talked about the weather and lighter topics, including what he was doing as they waited.

A short time later, her daughter flew through the door like a tornado. Her tears started flowing before the door was even shut, as if the doorway was an emotional typhoon that changed all who entered.

Nancy sat down with her children and explained the events that took her husband from their lives. They had a tissue box in the middle of the table, and used every one while they talked about the events. They shared stories and thoughts about what he would have wanted them to do.

They sat there for hours, reminiscing about the man they had lost. The tears turned into laughter as they recounted his quirky habits and unforgettable jokes. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with sorrow for his absence but also gratitude for the memories they shared.

As the time passed, Nancy’s children insisted on staying with her. They prepared a simple meal, as late as it was, finding comfort in each other’s company. It was a long night filled with tears and laughter, a beautiful chaos that only brought them closer together.

In the days that followed, they leaned on each other for support. They sorted through his belongings, each item holding a memory they cherished. Nancy found strength in her children’s presence, knowing that they would get through this pain together.

And as time passed, they slowly began to heal. The house felt emptier without him, but it was filled with the love and laughter of their shared memories. They knew he would always be with them in spirit, guiding them through life, and as they navigated the path together, they continue to honor his memory and they life they created together.

Nancy’s story it told often by so many people. We all think he have a lifetime with our loved ones, but the reality is that we never know how much time we have. That makes the time we have that much more important. Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Share the love you have every day. It’s definitely a part of being happy, for life.