Nearly a week ago I found out my cousin Kent had passed away very unexpectedly. Its been very difficult to not be home to comfort my family and to mourn with other people who loved him. On Thursday, we had started our urban homestays and I was very excited about the wonderful family I was given for 10 days. It has been difficult to be away from all of my new friends while trying to deal with Kents death. Yet, it has given me a lot of time to contemplate and realize how important generosity is. Kent was the most generous person. Not only with material goods but with something infinitely more important; his time.
He never missed a family holiday, celebration, or a random get together. Kent was always willing to help out in anyway he could and gave so much to all of us especially his mother. I have always said that it is my family that gives me the strength and the courage to try new things and to go to new places. It is their support, belief, and undying love for me that makes it okay to leave home since I know it will always be there when I return. Home is more than my house on Hoyt Way; it is that incredible mix of people I call my family. They have all generously helped to raise me and shape me into the woman I am today.
A few days prior to his death Kent commented on this blog. He wrote for himself and Aunt Helene. For the rest of the day I had a 'warm-fuzzy' feeling picturing Kent patiently showing my Great Aunt how to find my blog and leave me a message. I know they read it together and were thinking of me at that moment--that is something I will cherish.
This week while living with a family in a foreign country, working in a foreign government, and attending a strangers wedding I have realized that the most precious gift you can give someone is the generosity of your time. Take the time to call your best friend, your Mom, or someone else important to you. Take the time to grab a cup of coffee with someone and waste an afternoon just sitting there. Take the time to tell people you love them and find little ways to show them. After all, "Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time".
I apologize for not giving you an update on my trip this time-- I will by Saturday. It was healing to write this post and to know that you will be reading it and will understand who I am and who my family is!
Stay Safe and enjoy the last days of summer!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
NO WONDER I LOVE YOU--MOM
Hi Sweet Precious Granddaughter,
You said it all....and quite well. Family is much more than genes. We are so blessed to have had time to "Waste" with you just prior to your departure to Africa. Thank you for your time, laughs, smiles, hugs, joyful heart, and endless love. You made us feel so special and this will last a lifetime.
Ooooodles of Hugs,
Grandpa and Jody Grandma
Kristen-I think we're a lot a like in that the people we love are always on our minds-whether a half hour drive down to Denver, or thousands of miles away. I'm sorry about your cousin and I love you. On a different note, I really appreciated your sentiment. I need to find someone to waste that time with.
Love,
Nat
beautiful kristin anne... just beautiful
Do not apologize for diverting your focus from your trip. An important thing to realize is that while you leave home, the world does not stop turning. Our family acts in predictable ways; my mother gave the eulogy, Duane came and sat quietly in the back. My mother was stricken with panic a few times, wondering where you were, and where I was. So it is safe to say that the way we imagine the funeral is how it went, and that is nearly perfect.
Post a Comment