When you reflect on your life, what people fall into these categories:those most important to you?Let's call these people your VFPs (verified favorite persons).
those from whom you've learned a great deal?
those who have affected you profoundly?
those whom you admire?
This photo contains a bunch of my VFPs. Already, 5 years have passed since 22 of us took a week-long cruise. Murray was our cruise director, planning the details and handling finances. During dinner on our last night, Murray made a brief speech. He referred to the trip as a once in a lifetime event. Everyone got teary eyed.
Even for an extended family that spent much time together, we knew that vacation was special. For one thing, Nana and Papa wouldn't be traveling much again. And, who ever knows what the future holds? We didn't know then that the one VFP in the photo who isn't with us now would leave us so soon. It makes Murray's words more true all these years later.
Each of our lives is intertwined with the lives of so many others. Yet much of our interaction is superficial--even with our VFPs. If you knew that your VFPs would vanish tomorrow, what would you tell them today? I suspect you'd tell them how they bettered your life. You may convey your fond memories of them--things they may not even know are dear to you. Or maybe you would do something to bring them happiness, like cooking their favorite dinner or taking them somewhere they always wanted to visit. Or you might apologize or bridge a gap that has built up over time.
We have endless opportunities with our VFPs to do these things, and we often let them slip by. Hours. Days. Years. We wait for a "real" reason or time pressure to jolt us into action. But why do we wait? We think there will be time later on, or we're too proud to be open about how deeply we care. I don't know why being honest and vulnerable makes us so uncomfortable. More importantly, why do we take that uneasiness to mean we should avoid it? Great things can be gained by accepting that we are in unfamiliar territory and proceeding anyway.
Today, I'm telling my family VFPs how significant they are. I have learned and received so much from each of you. There are lots of great memories from the Family Cruise, but that's only a small part of what I've received. As a bunch, you're overwhelming to outsiders, yet no one stays an outsider for long. You quickly make new friends and family feel at home and cared about. It's wonderful that other people get to experience what I've had my whole life. Your love, dedication and generosity are inspiring. I'm grateful--and proud--that you're my family.
