Today, two years ago, July  5, 2012 we tragically lost my father, James Huey. I am reminded of the family we once were today. Things weren’t always perfect, but we had lots of laughter and big dreams. My dad was a DREAMER! He was always thinking up the next “big thing!” After his death, things were hard of course, but nothing seemed to be the same, even when the laughter returned.

I was in the process, as usual, of wanting to write a book when I got the phone call July 3rd while watching fireworks with friends, that my dad collapsed at the movie theater. We raced to the hospital and later found out his heart was bad and that he would need a heart transplant, if he ever woke up again. We prayed while we watched him struggle to sustain life after his heart repeatedly failed him and he swelled from all the meds to keep him “alive.” Two days later, on the 5th…. we let him go! It was the hardest thing we ever had to do! How do you decide to take your loved one off of life support?

After his funeral, I struggled to get things “back to normal.” That is a task like none other. I had no desire to write or do much to be honest with you. It was summer, my kids wanted to swim and do nice weather things. I went through the motions for their sake, but felt empty and guilt ridden with all the what if’s, should haves and did we do the right thing? Despair and guilt were eating me alive. I could not shut my eyes without seeing my father, the strongest person I knew, gasp for air as he passed.

One morning, after begging God to release me from this torment and pain, I was looking at a picture, the one featured above, and thought, this is not what he would want. He’s with the Creator of all things and must understand how I feel about him and know that we acted on what we thought was best for him. He must know how much I love him and how sorry I am for all the regrets that can never be made right. I knew it was my Jesus removing the sting of death and I cried out to Him with tears of letting go and joy. A surge of relief and peace filter into my being that I could never explain and a new thought entered my mind…….tomorrow is not guaranteed, what are you going to do with today?

My mind was made up…. I was going to live my dream and become an author! My father’s death taught me that life is short and today counts. You may only have today, to make living life with no regrets a reality. You never know when God will call you home. You might be out to the movies having fun and BAM! Life as everyone knows it, changes.

So, why am I telling you all this? Because, I’m not looking for sympathy, I care enough about folks to tell them, to not put off what you can do today! Tomorrow is truly not promised, heck the next moment isn’t either! Please, pursue your dreams! Go for it! Become a writer, vet, dentist, inventor, singer, actor, marine, teacher, chef, pastor……whatever desire that burns in you, don’t stop till you achieve your dream. Don’t allow nay-sayers, set backs and disappointments to hold you back from becoming the best you. Become who you were created to be! God created you for greatness, not to be mediocre!

Though I would give anything to hug my dad’s neck, I value the lesson even in death he taught me. I made every day count! Dreams, is one of  my greatest achievements and there is more to come. I wish he was here to see my life long dream, that always talked about, but never pursued due to a lack of self belief, come true. Just like my father, I was a big dreamer, but never followed through for one reason or another. The biggest lie we tell ourselves is…. I’ll do it tomorrow. I’ll start my diet tomorrow, I’ll sit down and write tomorrow, I’ll call about starting school to become_____ tomorrow, I’ll call my dad who I have not spoken to in 4 years tomorrow and tell him I love him. Don’t wait, do it now. You have the gift of today, use it to pursue your dreams and tell those who love you, that you love them.

One other word of advise, holding a grudge is NOT WORTH IT! Don’t let “JUNK” get in the way of relationships. Let go and make amends whether they deserve it or not. Tomorrow may not come for you or that loved one and you may be left holding….. the should of, would of, could of bag. This is an awful load to carry throughout life and is a dream zapper for sure! Life really is a gift and if you truly look, you will see life’s pearls everyday. Cherish them, make memories, take lots of pictures, live with determination, don’t allow life’s set backs to discourage you, but rather use them as a stepping stone to go higher and all ways tell those you love, that you care for them.

Jesus blessed you today with breath in your lungs and vigor in your step. Don’t waste this precious gift! Use today to make your dreams come true or help someone else in making their dreams come true. Be a blessing, squeeze your loved ones, and laugh loud! Today only comes once in a lifetime….. make it count!

God bless you all and remember you can do anything! Go make it happen! Dreams really do come true!