Good night. I love you.

So, how many people, in their families, have some type of tradition before going to bed?  For example, in my family, after you've brushed your teeth and washed your face, you go to Mom and Dad and say good night, give them hugs, and tell them that you love them.

I never really thought about it until recently, but I realized what an important part of my day this has been for so many years of my life.  In my family, a lot of the decisions and opinions revolve around "Prepare for the worst, hope for the best."  So, when you hug your parents and say goodnight, and tell them that you love them, it's not just something to do for the sake of doing it.

What if there's a fire in the night?  Or a gas leak?  What if you don't wake up in the morning, or what if they don't?  Or maybe you run late in the morning and don't get to see each other off for the day, and there's an accident?

In these worrisome and busy times, no one really stops to appreciate what they have.  I always say I'm a poor college student, and I am.  But, that only refers to money.  Rich and poor have so many different meanings

I have two parents that are still married and have been there for me, guiding and accepting.  I have a sister who gets it, and is always there when I need her.  I have a brother, who is always willing to offer a word of advice.  I have my grandparents, who know me well enough to be able to tell me just what I need to hear. 

And, certainly not least,  I have my friends.  Each one is my friend for different reasons, and each one sees those flaws in me and is kind enough not to tell me when to knock it off.

So, before you go to bed each night, as morbid as it sounds, think about what you may miss tomorrow.  I know it's irresponsible and not at all feasible to live each day like your last, but the important thing to think about is your regrets.  Do you regret something from yesterday?  Last week?  Least year?  Could you possibly resolve them?  Is it really worth it to just let it sit in the back or front of your mind?  Try to resolve it.  When you go to bed each night, if you are bearing a load, try to address it.

Maybe, just maybe, you'll be able to breathe easier, or live better, or have a good night's sleep, simply because you have made a little peace.  So, with that...

Good night.  I love you.