When I speak with people, the idea of going to a family event seems as if it is tragic to them. They do not want to go to this party. They do not want to spend time with these people. When the thought of the family gathering comes up, it is almost as if there is a cringe on their face.

How often is it, someone appears happy to see their family? They never seem joyful. It looks like they’re about to do chores they have been putting off. The holiday times are the worst. Everyone seems frustrated. They are in a hurry to get it done. People aren’t often overjoyed by spending time with their family.

What happens when the day comes, and it’s no longer an option? That day seems so far away. It never crosses the minds of others that their family won’t always be there. While they’re living, they’ll be there. It’s an option. It’s a chore. It’s something we don’t want to “deal with” right then. We’ll always say we can do it later. When does later come?

Often later comes too late. By the time we realize we need to spend time with our family, they are no longer there. The next family gathering could be a funeral. Is that where you want to see them next?

A family is precious. We will always have moments of frustration. Our family is something to treasure, though. These frustrating moments will not last forever. They will be in our memories forever, but what about the person? The person may not be there when we decide it is time for them.

I have been in this situation. Once upon a time, I believed people would be there forever. I imagined they would be there whenever I was ready. Visiting another time seemed to be an option. One day, it wasn’t.

The stories told by them droned on for what felt like forever. Now, I would give anything to hear the stories one last time. I desire to listen to the story one more time. It may have been a story I heard, but one last time would be incredible.

We take our families for granted. We’ll look at our phones instead. Looking at Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat feeds seems more interesting. Our family is right in front of us, yet we choose to live in the cyber world. We don’t pay attention to what they’re telling us. We aren’t listening to the words coming out of their mouths. We’re engrossed in something else.

Everything seems to be more interesting until you’re alone. To quote one of my favorite songs by The Band Perry – If I Die Young, “A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I’ll sell them for a dollar. They’re worth so much more after I’m a goner.” It’s unfortunate how accurate that lyric is. We hear the stories after they’re gone. We’ll listen to a eulogy, but we won’t listen to the person.

Put the phone down, cherish your time. Cherish your loved ones and remember that they’re what is real. Our families may be frustrating. They may manage to hit every last nerve. Once they’re gone, the nerves they hit die a little bit too. Remember to spend your time with them. Listen to them, hear them, and love the time you have with them. A lifetime is forever for us, but we will all lose others during our lifetimes.