Another

We always think there will be another. Another kiss. Another hug. Another chance to say goodbye. Until there isn't another.

It's become cliche to say we should value every second we have together. It's become a cliche to say we should cherish our precious moments. But, what is life but one big cliche anyways? We all feel the same waves of hope, despair, joy and hopelessness from time to time.

Where the cliche of our lives ends is when we can appreciate a Monday morning or a Wednesday afternoon when we are stuck in traffic. At the least that particular Monday or Wednesday afternoon can be special and precious because we still have special people with us. In fact, that nerve wracking ride home may be one of the more special times in your life, in retrospect. Things couldn't be any better and we don't even realize it. I, for one, would forfeit anything to have back those special moments.

We seem to think we have a limitless supply of chances to tell others how we feel. We wait for that "right moment" to ask that special person out. Or, we figure we'll always have another holiday to spend together and share our feelings with each other. Sometimes, there isn't another holiday or special moment.

Go ahead. Take the risk while you still can. What is the worst that can happen? A feeling of slight awkwardness, perhaps? An unrequited expression of sentiment? The awkward or embarrassing rebuffed gesture is far less hurtful than the feeling of the unexpressed sentiment. Rejection, discomfort and shame. These are temporary afflictions. They are simply a blow to our egos. The unexpressed sentiment, the "should have's" stay with us forever.

Feelings of embarrassment do not stay with us longer than the empty chair or the lasting regret of never having said anything. Besides, who is really going to care if we were rejected or said the "wrong thing"? Given the Earth is roughly 4.5 billion years old, I don't think it will be a large historical point of reference. It probably won't matter much. Furthermore, who is ever going to say "Remember when I shot down..."? Only a jerk I suppose.

The biggest risk we can take can be telling someone you love them or putting your innermost feelings to light. It isn't easy to tell people what they mean to us. Some people don't share themselves easily. Their love and devotion is understand. We still shouldn't let this stop us. I don't. In fact, many of my e-mail messages have begun, "I know you're going to think I'm a sap but I don't care..."

Don't ever wait for a another chance that may not come.