Reflections

I went home for a few days over the holidays and left with a big-girl realization: my parents are aging. Of course, I always knew that time was marching on for them in the same manner it is for me, but I think I ignored how quickly their years are stacking up.

My dad struggled through a family game of bowling one day and ended up fracturing his ankle in two places after falling while trying to grab a spare. He had emergency surgery yesterday. My mom ate a fiesta bowl and ended up with intense stomach pain that ended up being a gallbladder full of stones. Her emergency surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. All in the space of a six-day vacation.

I think they're both going to be okay, but it's a tough for me to accept that my parents are getting older. I'm filled with regret about not spending more time with them and I am dreading the day that I have to say goodbye to them forever. Thankfully, I still have a chance to spend more time with them and I still have more time to make other things right.

Like, taking charge of my health - doing what I can to ensure that I have strong bones and a healthy gallbladder. Taking more time to enjoy life with my boyfriend and my dog, having the courage to follow my creative aspirations like writing this blog.

Life is seriously too short. Ridiculously short. Consider this a friendly reminder to spend more time being with those you love and doing the things you love.