Soak It In

I know you’ve heard it before, that you need to stop and smell the roses. But what does that mean? Smell roses? What if I have allergies? Or it’s Winter time and there are no flowers? It’s not literal. Its figurative.

It means to stop, take notice of what’s going on around you, and soak in the moment. To stop and smell the roses means intentionally slowing down, lifting your eyes, and paying attention. I got reminded of that when Rick died.

A couple of months before his death, I had been invited to join Rick and some co-workers of his for a quick weekend to Napa Valley before they went off to a week long conference nearby. Little did I know, that was the trip of a lifetime for me. See, that was the last time we were able to get away together. If only I had known, I would have soaked it in a little more.

One month before Rick’s passing, we unknowingly had our last date night. We went to see a favorite band of ours in concert and did a Q & A with them. It was right as Covid was starting to really get noticed and things were starting to shut down. I am so thankful the band didn’t cancel that night. It gave me the opportunity to see Rick in this setting one last time. If only I knew then….I would have lingered longer, hugged him tighter, and focused on him more than the band.

As I am typing this, it is less than a week from Thanksgiving, the day we stop, gather, and give thanks for what we have. We usually spend time with those we love, telling jokes, catching up, having fun; enjoying being with each other. Don’t take it for granted. This moment might turn into the only memory you have.

Take note of the beauty in the moment! Soak it in….remember every little detail….see it, hear it, smell it, taste it, feel it…you never know what the next moment holds!