If I had known the last time I saw you was going to be the last time I’d ever see you…
… I would have hugged you a little tighter and a lot longer.
… I would have studied your face memorizing each and every line.
… I would have reached for your hand and squeezed it hard, never wanting to let you go.
… I would bottled up your scent.
… I would have listened more carefully to your story, gleaning from all your wisdom.
… I would have told you how beautiful you looked that day.
… I would have insisted on another photograph.
… I would have expressed my sincerest gratitude for all that I have because of you.
… I would have said “I love you” one more time.
… I would have willed you to stay.
If only I had known.
This photograph was taken on my wedding day, (August 4, 2007) it is the last photo I have with my parents. They died two months later.
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So heartbreaking.
But, really makes me think.
Sending you lots of love. xo
Thanks, Shell. It’s a good lesson for the living.
Reading this broke my heart, though at the same time it makes you think. Those are lessons we should live by.
Sending you love my friend. xo
Thank you. We should always tell those we love how much they mean to us before it’s too late.
My heart hurts for you. Love and light your way. xo
Thank you, I’ll take it! 🙂
I have no words…just sadness and love.
And understanding.
Much love, my beautiful friend…your parents would be so proud to see the woman, wife, mother, and friend you are today.
Thank you, Nichole. I truly hope you are right.
Oh sweet Tonya, this is a beautiful slice of your heart, and an important -poignant- reminder to speak what’s in ours.
Much love to you, sweet friend.
xo
Yes, we should always speak our hearts. xoxo
oh my sweet friend, I am so sorry for your loss…
but your parents are smiling down on you every single minute, I know it.
love you beautiful girl xoxo
Thank you, I like to think so. xoxo
oooh…..tears….
so important though…to always tell our loved ones….
Yes, before you lose the opportunity.
I can’t imagine. And yet I can. If only we could know these things and capture all those things we miss out on.
Sending love. xo
Well, yes, there’s the rub. It’s a shame I didn’t have the opportunity, but hopefully my parents knew.
My dear friend. I don’t know what it’s like to lose a parent – let alone both. But do know that my heart is going out to you. Much love to you, my friend.
Thank you. It’s been five years in October since they’ve been gone. It doesn’t get any easier. Sadly.
death brings Such sadness to those of us left here on earth, but what a beautiful photograph and I’m so glad that you got to capture that photo, I plan to ask my 16 year old to read this post – it’s a wonderful life lesson, that so many of us have to learn the hard way.
I hope it speaks to your teen about not wasting opportunities to tell those we love how special they are to us while we have the chance.
It’s hard to find the words when I know words aren’t what you need. You have my love and hugs, my friend.
Love and hugs are perfect. 🙂 Thank you.
Just beautiful, Tonya. I’m so sorry you didn’t have the opportunity to share final thoughts or give/receive one more hug. I can only imagine how difficult that must be!
Thank you. I find solace is believing that my parents knew how much I loved them. But, still, I wish I have told them one more time.
I’m crying. I don’t cry. xo
I’m sorry! I honestly don’t write to make you sad. Just to think.
The photo is beautiful.
But your words are so gorgeous that the photograph pales in comparison.
Your parents? Are so proud of you.
Thank you, Katie. That means so much coming from you. xoxo
They both died? Tonya I had no idea. I wish so many things for my brother. So many. It has ensured that now? Things with my loved ones do not go unsaid. We say “I love you”. We hug. We live in the moment. Doesn’t make it easier tho, missing those who ate gone.
They did, indeed. And no, even though it has been five years in October, it doesn’t get any easier and the “what ifs” and “should haves” are always top of mind.
This beautiful post made me start remembering some things, regretting some things, but mostly grateful for the time we had, yet wishing for more. I know your last day with your mom and dad was one of the best days of their lives. Few people can say that about someone they loved and lost. Be proud of your final gift to them while they were here. We love you.
Thank you for your kind words. Mom and Dad were so jovial at our wedding and everyone commented on it for days afterwards. I’m grateful for that and I am so thankful for every moment of that glorious day.
That is a beautiful picture of you with your parents.
Thank you, it is for obvious reasons one of my favorites.
Oh the ifs… they make our heartache so much worse. Such a beautiful picture you have to hold on to.
The ifs are the worst!
I couldn’t have said it better myself Tonya. I would have done all those things and so much more if only I had known.