Taylor-- 12-22-10

Wow. Christmas is in three days. This year has flown by so quickly. While most schools are out on break right now, I wanted to remind everyone to enjoy this Christmas. Spend time with your family, and make the most out of it. My grandmother is leaving for Uganda, Africa on January 5th. She won't be back until my graduation (May, 2013). Fortunately, I will be able to fly out to Uganda and see her this March, but that won't make me miss her any less. Having a countdown to the day she leaves has actually made me enjoy our time even more, and that makes me feel terrible.

I feel almost selfish, for waiting until the last minute to start seriously spending time with her, and realizing my grandmother for the amazing woman she is. It does, however, put things into perspective for me. I'm fortunate in this situation. I have a countdown until the day she leaves. It makes me think of those who have lost loved ones in sudden accidents in which they were never given the chance to say goodbye. They have probably all wished that they would've enjoyed their time with that person, and hoped that person knew they loved them.

So as my 'New Year's Resolution List' begins, I will make this number one: Don't hold back. Let those that I love know that I love them. When the time comes, reality won't have to "set in", because I will have made the most of my relationship with my family and friends, making love a reality, rather than just an idea reserved for the last days of someone's life.

Have a safe Christmas, and enjoy the holidays. 

Love,

Taylor