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 Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services. (kahorowitz@gmail.com) www.kathyhorowitz.com. |
| Last week I was asked to write for the upcoming issue. I needed to postpone until the following one with the holidays approaching and a couple of personal issues I was handling. As a writer, I’m always thinking about what my next piece will be. I thought about the subject of paying it forward, especially with the Jewish New Year, the beginning of a new school year, and the winding down of a busy summer. But then I got shocking news that my cousin Peter, only 55 years old, died of a massive heart attack. So I am going to write about treasuring each day as if it were your last. I don’t know about yours, but many families have years-or decades-long silences due to misunderstanding, miscommunication, fears, hurts, and feelings they just can’t get rid of or forgive. Especially as one approaches the later decades in life, one would hope those feelings might dissipate or at least be alleviated. But more often than not, they don’t and they continue to fester. I always ask myself, why would I want to stay angry at a relative or friend when I can either forgive them and move on or reach out to reconcile. My mother always taught my sister and I to do right during the day so that we could sleep with a clear conscience at night. I’ve tried to abide by her wisdom, and am often successful. But being human is the tricky part. So here is my paying it forward theme along with treasuring each day. Why not pick up the phone, call an estranged friend or family member and try to make amends. I’m not suggesting that you apologize profusely; I’m merely saying to extend an olive branch. If you find the courage to do so and they accept, wonderful. If they don’t, at least you know you’ve made a genuine effort. Or if you choose not to call, why not send a card and put your feelings and desires into words. I consider myself lucky that I have the outlet of writing when times are stressful or when I receive shocking news. Turning to words helps me sort out how I’m feeling. Sometimes we act too quickly with spoken words, but when they’re written down we can see more clearly. I wish you a happy and peaceful transition into the new beginnings that September may bring. Try to enjoy each and every moment, even the unexciting ones. Our lives are our treasures as are our loved ones and we don’t know when they may be taken from us prematurely. |
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