Meeting in Istanbul Last Year
My mom died one month ago due to a tragic accident. She was only 63 and healthy, and her death has been a terrible shock for myself and my family.
I’m writing about this here for two reasons. Least importantly, if you’ve emailed me in the last month I apologize for not answering. You may have to email me again if you have a question you’d like answered.
More importantly, I want to use this opportunity to make a point my mom often made. If there is anything you want to do or say, do it now. Don’t wait. Just two weeks before my mom died I was writing with her about enjoying life and she wrote:
It seems to be very common that when someone retires they either get sick, they die, or their spouse does the same. It seems so unfair!! You have to live every day as if it were your last.
Fortunately my parents did that more than anyone I know. They lived an incredibly fulfilled life, of their own making, and that brings me a good bit of comfort now. But so many people don’t do the things they want to do or say the things they want to say. Many people plan to really live once they retire, and for a substantial number that doesn’t work out so well.
Find a way to enjoy your life to the fullest now, because you really don’t know how soon it will end. You also don’t know how long your loved ones will be around, or in what condition. Spend as much quality time as you can with them. In the end, the time you spend with people you care about will be much more important than how much work you do. The time you spend pursuing things you’re passionate about will be much more important than how much money you’ve made.
Life is incredibly fragile. You and the people you care about can be here one moment and gone the next. Life is short, and we’re all going to die. Do everything you can to enjoy yourself today.
My mom lived an awesome life. It was far too short for those of us still living. But she literally went out having a great time with my dad. There is no better way to die.
My condolences to you. And thank you for sharing your mom’s wisdom with us. She sounds like she was a positive light in the world.
Thank you Shawn. She was, and her memory still lives on.
Terribly sorry for your loss.
Thanks Brian.
I lost my mom just over a year ago. It still hurts and I know I’m gonna miss her forever.
But it does get easier with time.
My condolences to you and your family.
Thanks Ben. I appreciate that, and I’m very sorry to hear about your mom.
What a sad , tragic news!!!! I wish you all the power to come through this period. I do not want to compare , but my dad passed away 10 years ago suddenly by a hart attack. Nothing was arranged. It was like turbulance period, you are right in know. Things will get better but ist is never easy. Glad that she had a good life with a lot of quality time were you can look back at. All the best, Michiel
Thanks Michiel. I’m sorry to hear about your dad, too.
My condolences to you, I was so sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing those words of wisdom from your mom, and thank you for reminding us of some very important advice to live by. I am glad to hear, however, that your mom led such an amazing and fulfilling life. I wish I knew what else to say, other than as a long-time reader of yours I share your sorrow and you will be in my prayers.
Thank you Christofer. I appreciate that.
My sincere condolences, David. Your posting definitely serves as a reminder how precious life is. All the best to you and your family in this hour of sorrow, Nico
Thank you Nico.
My condolences to you and your familia. Keep the legacy of your Mom alive through all the things you do and Love in life. Humble Bow
Thanks Louis. I will definitely do that.
Sorry for your loss. I can relate both my parents have died and it was a terrible experience. Also being retired I feel that now is the time to live and enjoy life. We have a short time on this earth and should make the most of it. My prayers go out to you and yours.
Thank you Jules. I’m sorry for your loss, too. I hope you do enjoy your life.
I’m sorry for your loss. My Mom passed over in the early 70’s, so I understand your emotions. You will see her again in the future, until then, remember the joys you shared over your life with her.
Thank you Jon.
Hugs and healing light to you and yours. Great message, thank you for sharing. When you feel a cloud coming over you, remember your inspirational words and all your dear Mother was about. “To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die”.
Thanks Marion. I appreciate that.
My condolences David, I lost my father some four years ago, time is a great healer, but it hurts, take your time, you need it.
Thanks Alessandro, and I’m sorry to hear about your dad. I am taking my time.
We are truly very sorry for your and your family’s loss. Her words and your words are so true for all of us. As you continue your great work, please know that she is and will always be with you. You will hear her and feel her and smiles will come to your face…
Thank you Tom. She definitely lives on in her family and friends.
Hi David,
Firstly, I’m so sorry about your loss. The fragility of life is something that’s always weighing at the back of my mind for as long as I can remember and yet being confronted by it head on doesn’t make it any less of a shock. Your parents had the right idea; life IS too short. My condolences again to you and your family.
Best,
Mac
Thank you Mac.
Yes, I’ve also very often thought about the fragility of life, especially since experiencing Hurricane Katrina. And I *thought* I was much more prepared mentally for something like this. But you really don’t know until it happens.
My condolences to you and your family,I’m sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. But her words to you are wise and inspiring, and live as true beyond her time in all of us whom you have told them to.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am thankful for the inspiration and wise words you continue to share with us all.
My prayers & thoughts are with you and your family.
Love & Peace,
toniSTRINGZ
David, I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing 🙁 Hang on to your memories and cherish the good times you had together. You will feel her near when you least expect it! I lost my father when he was in his early sixties. I think of him often. Life is precious!
My Deep Condolences to you and your family
HO dear it IS SO SAD for what had fappened and i would like to convey my sincere condolence message to you to take strong heart insuch asituation it was very emotional in deed my God protect you during this difficult situation
Thank you for sharing your mother’s wisdom. Truely am sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family.
Thank you for sharing her wisdom and your insight with us. You were each lucky to have each other, and enrich us.
My Deep Condolences to you and your family. I know how you feel. I have a mom also and she passed away 3 years ago due to illness. Keep in positive mind and you will go through. Keep up your good work.
My condolences to you for your los, i lost my mon 2years ago i am still not over it so i now how you feel,but time heals a lot i guess ,lots off courage and keep making books .
Dear David, I am really sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing away. I am sure she will always continue to be proud of your high standard of work in the Self Defence industry. Take care,
Kindest Regards
Victor
Thanks so much for your comments guys. I’m sorry to hear that many of you have also lost parents. It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I’m sure we’ll all come to terms with it in time.
I’m really sorry for your loss David. I wish I could make the pain you feel go away, but I can try to make the weight of it bearable.
My condolences, Cris
Sorry for your loss My Brother. She sounds like a great lady.
sorry man mothers are special people
so i feel awful your loss hope allah gives grants her peace insha allah
my condolences…. I wish you all the strength to navigate through such an emotional time. In these moments we feel most vulnerable, but we are truly closest to our true selves at the same time. what is most valuable and real is the love we share for life and one another. Quantum Physics says that energy never dies, it only changes form. we are all made of energy and therefore we never
die. may you feel the ever present energy of your mom all around you and within you,,, may you find the comfort in the thought. Be Well
I really appreciate the comments guys. Thank you.
Jose: I agree with you. Our love for life and each other is definitely what is most valuable. And the people who leave us leave all that they’ve done with us forever. I value that knowledge a great deal, especially now.
My condolences for the loss of someone so dear to you. I was touched by your openness with us while you are hurting deeply. May you honor your Mom always through your passion for life and service to others.
I’m very sorry for your lose, but her thoughts and memories will always lingers on…Thanks for sharing it..Nelson
My condolences for your loss, David. For healing for you and your loved ones…may the rain of blessings fall.
Sage advice on enjoying the present moment over an anticipated future promised to no one.
“But she wasn’t around, and that’s the thing when your parents die, you feel like instead of going in to every fight with backup, you are going into every fight alone.”
― Mitch Albom
we hope u will fight the loneliness of ur mother “DAVE”
Dear David,
Please accept my belated condolences on your mother’s passing. The death of anything whether pet insect, cat, pet fish or dog leaves a void no matter how big or small; but when your mom passes away it really takes something away from you especially if you were very close. I know it’s been some time since her passing but you still think of her and cherish the moments you both shared so she will never fade away. I do not know what to really say except I believe you will find the strength to carry on and keep making her proud.
Thank you Nabih, I appreciate you writing. It has been more than 10 months, but it still feels like yesterday in many regards.