Make use of time, let not advantage slip.

365 days ago I made a decision.

Now, if you know me, you probably have heard various stories of either questionable decisions I have made or decisions that might have seemed like a good idea at the time, quite possibly during college.

All too often decisions are based on time. 

It always seems to come down to the length of time, either it is too long or too short.

This is the case with my decision.  Time was going to be too much and too little.

365 days ago, I was still in the process of getting my house.  I was therefore commuting to work.  It was a good fifty miles each way.  The majority of it was on the highway and it took me about forty five minutes to make the trip.  I made this trip just about every day.

365 days ago, I had a morning rehearsal and then a show that night.  I had a six hour break between the rehearsal and when I would have to be back for the show call.  I had debated on driving home during that break.  I decided it would take too long, and I wouldn't have much time at home.  I didn't want to drive for an hour only to drive another hour back after ONLY four hours at home.

I did also not want to spend the extra money on gas.  I was trying to buy a house and wanted to save the extra money.  I was already filling up the car every other day.  Two round trips in one day would be most of a tank of gas.

My decision, based on time and money, was to stick around town and waste the six hours.  I went to the cheap movie theatre to eat up some of that six hour chunk.

After the show that night, I made my forty five minute drive back home.

When I arrived home, my Mom was unresponsive to Dad and he asked if I could rouse her.

She was unresponsive to me and after trying for a long time (what seems like a long time, probably wasn't but maybe it was too long...), and not feeling a pulse, I dialed 911.

I then had to perform CPR, with the guidance of the operator, on the woman who birthed me, raised me, always protected me, and would shake her head at some of my questionable decisions.

I was unsuccessful.

Paramedics were unsuccessful.

Doctors were unsuccessful.

Life from that point on would be very different.

I just want to say that time does not matter.  Money doesn't matter.

If you have the opportunity, even if it is only for four hours, and it requires a two hour round trip….

TAKE THE TRIP…

I didn't and as a result, I didn't really get to say goodbye to my Mom.

Due to coming home late and leaving early, the last couple of times I saw her, she was half asleep and it was just a quick, “Love You, see you tonight” or “I’m home.”

Don’t let your excuse to yourself or to others be that it is too late, or it will take too long, or it is not enough time.

Take any time you can when you can.

You never know what you might miss…

I Love and miss you Mom.

Update after dinner: Mom's fine and keeping an eye on us.