Precious Time

Precious time #3
Originally uploaded by nieve44

Precious Time

They’re calling up numbers now
Try to hide but how
Close your eyes, just pretend we’re runaways
How many boys and men…women and (pets too)
Will it take to win
And how many wish they could be runaways
How many tomorrows do we have
How much precious time

Pick a lucky star
Be it near or far
Just pretend on the long nights…
I can see it too
And wish the same as you

How many tomorrows do we have
How much precious time.

The past few days I’ve learned about the passing of two very dear people and one very special cat and this song by Darden Smith came to mind. John was my first crush from middle school and we went out a few times. I thought he hung the moon! I’m sure he’s chuckling now. I ran into him at the grocery store some years back. He recognized me at first and we caught up with one another in that “precious time” next to the produce isle. As I learn more about his tragic death, I wished now we had exchanged phone numbers/email, something—instead of “see you around”.

Just last month I ran into my student in the hallway and shared “precious time” by saying “hello”. I wish I knew then what I know now…I didn’t know she had been ill with cancer. When I met her some years back, she had just recovered from open heart surgery. She was just at work last Monday and died this past Saturday and leaves behind a young son. She had just completed her degree and came so far from where she began when I first met her.

The shock of John’s death was just passing when I learned of Chyna’s untimely death as well. My very tender womb opened up again and just this evening the tears finally flowed freely. I couldn’t hold it back anymore. Their passing had a profound impact on me as they hit very close to home. Sadly, I missed John’s memorial service and not sure if Chyna will have one but if I can I will be sure to attend. As soon as I can, I will look up into the night sky and pick three lucky stars…for John, Chyna and Duffy too!