I see the picture every time I go in my garage and I am reminded of my husband’s stubbornness, how he was a good father, and how he taught me how precious time is. He’s sitting proudly on his motorcycle. He loved that thing and the smile on his face showed it all. My husband was very stubborn. When he started showing an interest in riding motorcycles, I tried to discourage him but once he had his mind set on something, there was no convincing him otherwise. He purchased his first motorcycle that October but promised me he’d be careful.
However, my worst fears came true on June 5, 2005 when he was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident. He was such a good father to our children. He attended every recital, play, graduation and parent-teacher conference. It was important to him to keep our children busy and out of trouble by participating in as many activities as possible. He signed them up for Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading and never missed a practice or game. Losing him was indescribably the most devastating thing I ever had to endure. I was foolish and naive to think that things like that only happen to other people.
Our children were ages sixteen, fourteen, eleven and seven at that time. Telling them was the worst part. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I was the last person he called just minutes before the accident. I got to tell him I loved him one last time. I thank God for that every day. One minute you’re talking with someone and sharing love, life and thoughts with them and then all of a sudden they’re gone. It’s not until that moment that you realize how definite death is. What if I knew that would be the last time I’d see him? Would I have said or done things differently?
The Essay on Should Parents Spend More Time with Their Children
In China, both of the parents have their jobs. With the development of economy, people tend to pursue high quality living conditions. Most of the parents try their best to offer their children comfortable circumstances, but they seldom have time to stay with their children. In my point of view, no matter how busy they are, they should make the best use of their time to stay with their children. ...
When things like that happen it makes you realize just how precious time is. Many times we tend to take things for granted like seeing each other again. Losing my husband taught me that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. It taught me that you should tell people how you feel because you may not get another chance to. That was seven years ago, and when it happened I honestly didn’t think I’d make it past seven minutes. Time really does heal all wounds. People ask how I did it. My answer is that I really never had a choice. Life goes on whether we are ready for it or not. In the midst of adversary, God still blesses us.
Sometimes we’re so distraught or overwhelmed that it’s hard to see those blessings but they’re there. God blessed me with a supportive family, great kids, and true friends. I couldn’t have done it without them. When I see motorcyclists on the road now, I wonder if they know what they’re risking. I wonder if they know all the dangers they’re subjecting themselves to and the pain that they might leave loved ones with if they’re not careful. I think of my husband’s picture and how I wish I could share my story with them. Time is precious and must be used wisely. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
