A Lesson Learned From Brittany

Brittany always had a huge heart. 

Shortly after entering the Young Woman's program of the church, Brittany became enthralled with the idea of visiting the elderly in a nursing home. She pestered me over and over until finally I decided to bite the bullet. We went to Emerald Pointe, a long-term care facility here in Cedar City. 

I knew this desire was indicative of her compassion. She was always tender-hearted and had a sensitivity toward the feelings of other people. Like the Savior, she loved little children. She enjoyed playing with them and making them happy. Now she was moving to the other end of the age spectrum. 

We went on a Sunday afternoon. I had in mind who we would visit—Marge O'Connell. 

Marge was a sweet lady with a frail body. Her short silver hair proved to be a mixture of white and gray strands. She wore a pale face with dark bags beneath her eyes, and a big smile behind her red lipstick. She was very friendly and could talk your ear off.

I knew Marge from my mail route several years earlier. Gradually her memory began to decline to the point she had to be put in a nursing home. She had no kids of her own. Her only brother lived in another state and rarely stopped by. 

Our visit went well. Marge sat with some other ladies in a commons room. Although Marge and I had several long conversations in the past, she couldn't remember me. But she still smiled and laughed and enjoyed our company. 

Brittany didn't know what to say, but sat quietly and smiled. The other ladies at the table adored her. Marge entertained us well, demonstrating that she had indeed lost her mind. At one point she claimed that someone was going to pick her up and take her to Cedar City. [We were in Cedar City!] Brittany and I had a good chuckle in the car on the way home. 

One year later at Brittany's death, I realized we had never returned to visit Marge O'Connell. I was very saddened at this realization. But I was very grateful at the same time, to my daughter, for teaching me the importance of actually getting on my feet and visiting those in need. Looking back, I wish I would have taken more opportunists to visit the old, the sick, or anyone with Brittany. But now I have to ask the obvious question: Am I taking those same opportunities with my daughters I still have with me?

There is no time to waste in life. That's a lesson I have learned the hard way and have to relearn all the time. We must decide which things in life are most important and then set out to do them. ♠