Sandwiched
This will be my final column talking about the lessons I’ve learned from the death of my childhood best friend, also named Amy. Amy died unexpectedly less than a month ago just shy of her 50th birthday. I’ve been thinking of and praying for her friends and family every day since.
It’s been wonderful to see the numerous posts, tributes, and kind words about her on Facebook. I’m confident that Amy was one of those people who told people how she felt about them. If she didn’t say it outright, people felt how much she cared through her actions.
We hear stories like Amy’s all the time – someone fairly young and seemingly healthy gets taken from us in the blink of an eye. It’s true, folks – you never know when your time is up, especially in this crazy year we’ve all been dealing with. We’ve also heard it said time and time again that it’s so important to tell the people you love how you feel about them due to that very fact.
I believe that now more than ever before.
Amy was just 49 years old. She was a much-loved Political Science Professor at Metropolitan State University in Denver. As stated in her obituary from the Cremation Society of Colorado:
“Amy was a recognized authority and published author in international ethics, law, and just war tradition. She was a diehard Notre Dame football fan and proud alumnae. She was an active supporter of her local cat rescue. Amy was a lifelong advocate for change, justice, and human rights, and is proof that one person can make a difference in this world. We will miss her quick wit, kindness, and compassion. Her influence will remain in the lives of all who knew her.”
I hope I can be even half as successful as Amy was. Her death has shown me that tomorrow really may not be promised.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve told your mom “I love you,” pick up the phone today. Grab a card the next time you’re in the grocery store and send it to someone you treasure but don’t see very often. Send a text saying, “You’re awesome and I’m glad you’re in my life” to your best friend. (I’m literally doing that right now.)
I’ve been working on a project this year that will continue through December to let family and friends know how much they mean to me. I had no clue what 2020 would bring when I planned this in late 2019, but I’ve been grateful each and every week that I started it.
I want to encourage all of you, especially during this awful time in our history, to do your own similar project. People need to hear kind words now more than ever. And you’ll know that if for some reason your time is up, that the people you love knew how you felt about them.