What we learn from Death

This subject might be a little off topic from the usual real estate subject matter, however, I thought it important to share my own personal development in the wake of loss.
February 26th, would have been my Dad's 69th birthday.  For those of you who don't know, my Dad Mike Drouin died unexpectedly from a heart attack in August of 2012.  He was a hero and leader to our family and community.  Unfortunately, Dad isn't the only death that has happened to a close family member.  My Mom, Debra Drouin passed away from an extended battle with cancer in 2003.  My grandfather, Roger Drouin (pictured here on the right) got hit and killed by a narcoleptic man driving a work van while walking in his own neighborhood.
Death has taught me some very invaluable life lessons:
1.)  Live with no regrets.  Your dreams cannot wait for a convenient time.  You need to start working towards them TODAY AND EVERYDAY.  You need to live with a sense of urgency.  When my mother knew she didn't have long to live, she decided to live out her lifelong desire to travel Europe.  And she did so with my grandmother Ruth.  She was incredibly weak and had to use a cane to get around.  It was a struggle for her.  For those of you who have traveled to Europe, it's not exactly a friendly place for people with mobility issues.  If it wasn't for her sense of urgency, she might have never gone.  You shouldn't have to wait until your twilight to do what you actually DESIRE to do.
2.)  Never go to bed angry at someone.  You are bound to get into arguments and squabbles with people you love.  If you walk away from someone, imagine if they died or you died.  Did you have the opportunity to reconcile with them, or apologize, or tell them you loved them?  At my fathers funeral, someone close to him was there who was terribly sad, sobbing uncontrollably.  I knew why.  The last time they saw each other was on very bad terms.  They had an argument about something incredibly stupid and  left each other in bitter anger.  So remember, when you say goodbye to anyone, make sure you do it graciously.  Tell them you love them because you might never get a chance to do so again.
I hope this insight finds you well when dealing with loss of a loved one!

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