I Believe Life Is a Life Long Lesson

[Bretrick]

Over the years I think many of us have some regrets for not keeping in contact with many of those who have passed through our lives.
Whether they were once close friends or family members, we do from time to time reminisce on what could have been.
One day, those people whom we may have wanted to patch up differences with will be no more.
Age catches up with everyone and we all die.
We may never know they have died or we may hear on the grape vine that they are no longer around.
Which brings me to the reason for this post.

I am reminded of a song by Mike and the Mechanics titled, The Living years.
It is a song of regret of a son not having given enough time and recognition to his Father before he died.
The Lyrics being

Every generation, Blames the one before, And all of their frustrations, Come beating on your door
I know that I'm a prisoner, To all my Father held so dear,
I know that I'm a hostage, To all his hopes and fears,
I just wish I could have told him, in the living years
Oh, crumpled bits of paper, Filled with imperfect thought.
Stilted conversations, I'm afraid that's all we've got
You say you just don't see it, He says it's perfect sense, You just can't get agreement,
In this present tense, We all talk a different language, Talking in defence.
( Chorus )

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late (it's too late) when we die (oh when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel, Between the present and the past, We only sacrifice the future,
It's the bitterness that lasts
So don't yield to the fortunes, You sometimes see as fate, It may have a new perspective,
On a different date, And if you don't give up, and don't give in, You may just be O.K.
(Chorus)

I wasn't there that morning, When my Father passed away, I didn't get to tell him, All the things I had to say
I think I caught his spirit, Later that same year, I'm sure I heard his echo, In my baby's new born tears, I just wish I could have told, him in the living years
(Chorus)

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So, if you have someone you want/need to make amends with then do not leave it too late.

Mike & The Mechanics - The living Years​

 

[palides2021]

Over the years I think many of us have some regrets for not keeping in contact with many of those who have past through our lives.
Whether they were once close friends or family members, we do from time to time reminisce on what could have been.
One day, those people whom we may have wanted to patch up differences with will be no more.
Age catches up with everyone and we all die.
We may never know they have died or we may hear on the grape vine that they are no longer around.
Which brings me to the reason for this post.

I am reminded of a song by Mike and the Mechanics titled, The Living years.
It is a song of regret of a son not having given enough time and recognition to his Father before he died.
The Lyrics being

Every generation, Blames the one before, And all of their frustrations, Come beating on your door
I know that I'm a prisoner, To all my Father held so dear,
I know that I'm a hostage, To all his hopes and fears,
I just wish I could have told him, in the living years
Oh, crumpled bits of paper, Filled with imperfect thought.
Stilted conversations, I'm afraid that's all we've got
You say you just don't see it, He says it's perfect sense, You just can't get agreement,
In this present tense, We all talk a different language, Talking in defence.
( Chorus )

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late (it's too late) when we die (oh when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel, Between the present and the past, We only sacrifice the future,
It's the bitterness that lasts
So don't yield to the fortunes, You sometimes see as fate, It may have a new perspective,
On a different date, And if you don't give up, and don't give in, You may just be O.K.
(Chorus)

I wasn't there that morning, When my Father passed away, I didn't get to tell him, All the things I had to say
I think I caught his spirit, Later that same year, I'm sure I heard his echo, In my baby's new born tears, I just wish I could have told, him in the living years
(Chorus)

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So, if you have someone you want/need to make amends with then do not leave it too late.

Mike & The Mechanics - The living Years​

Wow! This is powerful! I have to digest this one for awhile.

 

[Irwin]

Over the years I think many of us have some regrets for not keeping in contact with many of those who have passed through our lives.
Whether they were once close friends or family members, we do from time to time reminisce on what could have been.
One day, those people whom we may have wanted to patch up differences with will be no more.
Age catches up with everyone and we all die.
We may never know they have died or we may hear on the grape vine that they are no longer around.
Which brings me to the reason for this post.

I am reminded of a song by Mike and the Mechanics titled, The Living years.
It is a song of regret of a son not having given enough time and recognition to his Father before he died.
The Lyrics being

Every generation, Blames the one before, And all of their frustrations, Come beating on your door
I know that I'm a prisoner, To all my Father held so dear,
I know that I'm a hostage, To all his hopes and fears,
I just wish I could have told him, in the living years
Oh, crumpled bits of paper, Filled with imperfect thought.
Stilted conversations, I'm afraid that's all we've got
You say you just don't see it, He says it's perfect sense, You just can't get agreement,
In this present tense, We all talk a different language, Talking in defence.
( Chorus )

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late (it's too late) when we die (oh when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel, Between the present and the past, We only sacrifice the future,
It's the bitterness that lasts
So don't yield to the fortunes, You sometimes see as fate, It may have a new perspective,
On a different date, And if you don't give up, and don't give in, You may just be O.K.
(Chorus)

I wasn't there that morning, When my Father passed away, I didn't get to tell him, All the things I had to say
I think I caught his spirit, Later that same year, I'm sure I heard his echo, In my baby's new born tears, I just wish I could have told, him in the living years
(Chorus)

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So, if you have someone you want/need to make amends with then do not leave it too late.

Mike & The Mechanics - The living Years​

Too late. Dey's all gone.

 

[dseag2]

Over the years I think many of us have some regrets for not keeping in contact with many of those who have passed through our lives.
Whether they were once close friends or family members, we do from time to time reminisce on what could have been.
One day, those people whom we may have wanted to patch up differences with will be no more.
Age catches up with everyone and we all die.
We may never know they have died or we may hear on the grape vine that they are no longer around.
Which brings me to the reason for this post.

I am reminded of a song by Mike and the Mechanics titled, The Living years.
It is a song of regret of a son not having given enough time and recognition to his Father before he died.
The Lyrics being

Every generation, Blames the one before, And all of their frustrations, Come beating on your door
I know that I'm a prisoner, To all my Father held so dear,
I know that I'm a hostage, To all his hopes and fears,
I just wish I could have told him, in the living years
Oh, crumpled bits of paper, Filled with imperfect thought.
Stilted conversations, I'm afraid that's all we've got
You say you just don't see it, He says it's perfect sense, You just can't get agreement,
In this present tense, We all talk a different language, Talking in defence.
( Chorus )

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late (it's too late) when we die (oh when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel, Between the present and the past, We only sacrifice the future,
It's the bitterness that lasts
So don't yield to the fortunes, You sometimes see as fate, It may have a new perspective,
On a different date, And if you don't give up, and don't give in, You may just be O.K.
(Chorus)

I wasn't there that morning, When my Father passed away, I didn't get to tell him, All the things I had to say
I think I caught his spirit, Later that same year, I'm sure I heard his echo, In my baby's new born tears, I just wish I could have told, him in the living years
(Chorus)

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So, if you have someone you want/need to make amends with then do not leave it too late.

Mike & The Mechanics - The living Years​

Yes, that is a song that illustrates a great lesson. That, and Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin, made me realize I needed to spend more time with my father as he got older. When he passed, I felt I had been a good son.

With that said, I have friends who have passed, and I wish I had spent more time with them.

 

[Bretrick]

Yes, that is a song that illustrates a great lesson. That, and Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin, made me realize I needed to spend more time with my father as he got older. When he passed, I felt I had been a good son.

With that said, I have friends who have passed, and I wish I had spent more time with them.

Many times we do not think about them for years. Only after they have gone do we reflect....Maybe I should have kept in touch

 

[RobinWren]

Life has a way of getting in the way, family, work, just day to day living. Then, retirement and we have all this time to think of what might have been. So easy to think what if? if only? time passes , we have this day, this hour, reach out, enjoy it for who knows what tomorrow might bring.
I had a wonderful friend who I met in NY, we lost touch though I looked for her for years. Happily I found her and I hope that one day we will be able to meet again. If not we still have phone contact.

 

[dseag2]

Absolutely. When I was working, I was literally traveling to attend business functions up until the week before Christmas, so I couldn't really appreciate it. Now that I'm retired, I have been out buying gift baskets for my neighbors who are also friends. I now really feel the spirit of the season!

 

[Jeni]

I have always liked the Mike and the mechanics song .........but doubt it touches enough to make life change.

I try to see the lesson or insight each person. I met or included in my world has to relate.... then they are gone usually....
after that lesson is over.

My siblings are those who blame everyone else for their issues.... do not remember where things went off track..... even close to reality and now a cousin is doing back flips trying to re-connect everyone....... perhaps she heard some song watched one too many hallmark movies and believes in magic.
Sure in some odd setting (often a funeral) people hug act as if they were once SO close .......make promises like call we can do lunch etc and as they drive away all is forgotten or so it seems.

Ever wonder why there is no follow through past the scene when the long lost person returns..... because the next day or soon the REAL issues surface.
I have had moments where i wished for a magic reunion but often was met with lackluster participation or something. I was always expected to do all the planning and most important for SOME the PAYING for any such reunion.

I had a friend offered to meet up with had not really stayed close just kind of following as we lived our lives.....
She decided she did not like some "friends " i had on Facebook so said "no thanks we have nothing in common "

I did not ever post much .........had people from all walks of life as friends and she made a judgement based on WHAT?

Work friends from past that i had to make all calls and plans and then asked to gather somewhere close to them regardless of how OUT of my way things are. That is why it makes a good song or movie it is not REAL.

 

[Bretrick]

I have always liked the Mike and the mechanics song .........but doubt it touches enough to make life change.

I try to see the lesson or insight each person. I met or included in my world has to relate.... then they are gone usually....
after that lesson is over.

My siblings are those who blame everyone else for their issues.... do not remember where things went off track..... even close to reality and now a cousin is doing back flips trying to re-connect everyone....... perhaps she heard some song watched one too many hallmark movies and believes in magic.
Sure in some odd setting (often a funeral) people hug act as if they were once SO close .......make promises like call we can do lunch etc and as they drive away all is forgotten or so it seems.

Ever wonder why there is no follow through past the scene when the long lost person returns..... because the next day or soon the REAL issues surface.
I have had moments where i wished for a magic reunion but often was met with lackluster participation or something. I was always expected to do all the planning and most important for SOME the PAYING for any such reunion.

I had a friend offered to meet up with had not really stayed close just kind of following as we lived our lives.....
She decided she did not like some "friends " i had on Facebook so said "no thanks we have nothing in common "

I did not ever post much .........had people from all walks of life as friends and she made a judgement based on WHAT?

Work friends from past that i had to make all calls and plans and then asked to gather somewhere close to them regardless of how OUT of my way things are. That is why it makes a good song or movie it is not REAL.

I hear what you are saying. I have no desire to reconnect with those who have wronged me.
Maybe some people do and it would be best for them to it it before it is too late.

 

[Jeni]

I hear what you are saying. I have no desire to reconnect with those who have wronged me.
Maybe some people do and it would be best for them to it it before it is too late.

It in my thoughts is not anyone that wronged me ..... have you ever had a friend and it seemed as everything just clicked and after time or perhaps circumstances change it is no longer easy and fun and where you feel engaged.
Maybe when you try you no longer have that item keeping you together..... I have also had people i simply did not care for at all ... then in some odd day i saw an angle i had not seen before i enjoyed that person or understood that person better then ever
I try to appreciate those moments without expecting or planning to make it a life long thing

 

[palides2021]

Reminds me of a poem I wrote 15 years ago:

Fading Away


Do we fade away every time we don’t
Telephone our loved ones to let them know
How much we care?

Do we fade away each Christmas that we don’t
Write or visit
Relatives and friends far away?

Do we fade away when we’re too busy
To show our love
To those around us?

Do we fade away and thus die
Before our time –
And no one will even
Know the difference when we’re gone;

And when we do die
Will there be any tears shed for us;
Will anyone care –
Because we were too busy fading away?

P.A. - 2006

 

[Bretrick]

Reminds me of a poem I wrote 15 years ago:

Fading Away


Do we fade away every time we don’t
Telephone our loved ones to let them know
How much we care?

Do we fade away each Christmas that we don’t
Write or visit
Relatives and friends far away?

Do we fade away when we’re too busy
To show our love
To those around us?

Do we fade away and thus die
Before our time –
And no one will even
Know the difference when we’re gone;

And when we do die
Will there be any tears shed for us;
Will anyone care –
Because we were too busy fading away?

P.A. - 2006

Wow, that is beautiful and comes from the heart.
I think, yes, we do fade away if connections are not maintained.
When we finally pass, without those connections, who would know?

 

[Irwin]

Life is indeed a life-long lesson, and apparently, I'm an extremely slow learner. I think I have a severe learning disability when it comes to learning how to thrive or even just survive in this world.

 

[win231]

I have always liked the Mike and the mechanics song .........but doubt it touches enough to make life change.

I try to see the lesson or insight each person. I met or included in my world has to relate.... then they are gone usually....
after that lesson is over.

My siblings are those who blame everyone else for their issues.... do not remember where things went off track..... even close to reality and now a cousin is doing back flips trying to re-connect everyone....... perhaps she heard some song watched one too many hallmark movies and believes in magic.
Sure in some odd setting (often a funeral) people hug act as if they were once SO close .......make promises like call we can do lunch etc and as they drive away all is forgotten or so it seems.

Ever wonder why there is no follow through past the scene when the long lost person returns..... because the next day or soon the REAL issues surface.
I have had moments where i wished for a magic reunion but often was met with lackluster participation or something. I was always expected to do all the planning and most important for SOME the PAYING for any such reunion.

I had a friend offered to meet up with had not really stayed close just kind of following as we lived our lives.....
She decided she did not like some "friends " i had on Facebook so said "no thanks we have nothing in common "

I did not ever post much .........had people from all walks of life as friends and she made a judgement based on WHAT?

Work friends from past that i had to make all calls and plans and then asked to gather somewhere close to them regardless of how OUT of my way things are. That is why it makes a good song or movie it is not REAL.

Quite true; it's not real. But your post sure is real!