Nobody should ever take a loved one for granted. As long as you have them around you may never realize how important he/she is until you lose one. I am saying this out of experience, it once happened to me. My family and my second cousin’s family were always together, and it just happened that my best friend came from that family. We loved each other dearly.If there would be any problems we’d be there for each other.That is until my family moved to another place. Everything went downhill from there. My uncle was born into an alcoholic family. Despite his awareness on the problems caused by alcohol,the diseases eventually took a toll on him.
It was very difficult for me to see my uncle lost in a world of turmoil.He affected almost every single aspect of my life,from young childhood to teenage years. So many times I sat at his side as he fought for life in hospital. He was definitely a fighter,but you can only fight for so long.When he succumbed to death my life changed so much.Since the day he died until now I’ve tried to put him on a pedestal. I felt I needed to forget the pain he caused me. I wanted to ease the loss by believing he had been perfect.Sitting and writing about him has made me realize I didn’t only admire him but I loved him. I realized that I could love him,not because of his character but for the uncle he was. I can now reflect at the past and remember the good times,but I no longer have to shut out the bad ones.
The struggles that my family faced forced me to learn how to cope with problems. I understand that he was only human,as am I.Despite the flaws he had,he taught me that inner strength comes with knowledge that understanding and caring are the unconditional qualities of love.Your loved ones need not to be what you want them to be for you to love them .Love them and pray to God for them to change and be better people in the community.Do not judge them because you are not past perfect,present righteous nor future flawless.Accept them for who they are,love them,give them your concern,time and love. Who knows? You might change the way of their thinking and their lifestyle.