Many people wait until someone is gone before they shower them with love and appreciation. It is even more concerning today, as we seem to have embraced a culture of celebration instead of mourning when we lose our loved ones.
I don’t know whose idea it was that the only time to paint or tile a house is mainly during a burial celebration. The question then becomes: In whose interest is it being done?
This is why I want to draw your attention to this erroneous way of thinking. It is hypocritical to bury someone who never drank juice with you or had clothes sewn for them while they were alive, only to do all these things in celebration of their demise.
I understand that, in some cases, there are celebrations of life. However, it is pertinent that we cultivate the habit of showing people how important their existence is to us while they are still alive.
Some couples only speak about how good their partners were during burial or thanksgiving ceremonies. Another act I am yet to understand—but we will leave that for another day.
My people, let us cultivate the habit of appreciation. Show gratitude to people while they are still alive, and give them whatever you have to offer so they can enjoy it during their lifetime.
A popular actress once had a heart attack while performing her favourite song on stage. Prior to the incident, she had told her children to bury her quietly whenever she passed away. She maintained that those who genuinely cared about and appreciated her good deeds had already done so while she was still breathing. Anyone who came afterward, she suggested, was nothing but a fake friend.
It is important to understand that she wasn’t aware that she would die on stage. Rather, she understood that the appreciation you give when someone is already gone is not really for that person, but for yourself and the people around you.
Should we, therefore, keep quiet and not speak of the good deeds of the deceased? No. However, we should ensure that people are appreciated while they are alive. Only then will speaking about their good deeds after their death truly carry meaning.
Overall, give people their flowers while they are still alive. Appreciate your parents. Don’t wait until you make money. A simple act such as saying “Thank you” is enough to put a smile on their faces.
Paint and tile your parents’ house if you know you will do it for visitors when they are gone.
Death is not an occasion to show wealth or feed hungry stomachs. It is a period of mourning, reflection, and immortalising memories.
Do not wait to celebrate someone only when they are gone. Start today. Appreciate your friends, your parents, yourself, and everyone you know who deserves their flowers while they are still alive.
No one knows when the last goodbye will come. Show appreciation without waiting for a season.
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi
Let me know in the comment section: Who would you want to appreciate today? And is there someone you wish you had appreciated while they were still alive?
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