WHAT’S YOUR LIFE

“Bismillah (In the name of God)”

 Three years ago, I came home from work, and my son told me that my friend was dead.  It was very surprising because she spent the summer vacation with us, and I saw her about four months ago.  I couldn’t believe my ears.  I went on her Facebook page and read a post that said, “Say it isn’t so Cuz” There were no other information.

I asked my son if he knew how she died. He replied,” Gun violence.”  It was strange to hear that since she was a retired police officer and during her active duty, I am not sure that she had ever used her gun.

I can say that we were more of an acquaintance than a friend.  We didn’t have a lot of conversation because we didn’t see each other often. What saddens me about her loss is the plans that she had made for her future with her children.

During a conversation on our vacation, I asked, “What made her decide to become a police officer?

She replied, “My son was young, I tried a lot of different type of work, but none fit me.  I chose to become a police officer because I wanted to provide a better life for my son and myself, and I know that I could make this work.”

“Do you have any plan to work again?” I asked

“Since I retired from the job, I traveled a lot.” She said, my younger daughter just started middle school so, I plan on being there for her because I was busy working before and I didn’t have a chance to accompany my older daughter and my son how I would have liked to.  I will repair my relationship with my other daughter because she doesn’t want to go to school. I will sit with her to figure out what she wants to do with her life.  My son is in the army, and he lives in another state.  I will visit him with the girls whenever we can.  Since my mom passed, my father is all alone and has been helping me with the girls. I plan on settle down and be there for him.  I will stop travelling and get myself a job.  Maybe I will go back to bartending because I used to do that before, and the tips are great.”

Surah 18 vs. 23-24″And never say about anything, “I will do that tomorrow. Without saying, “If God wills.”

When I think of clear and simple her goals were, my heart aches. I didn’t realize how much I liked her until the days and the years after her death.  In life, you never know what will come your way. That’s why you must be mindful of the people that you let in your life. Also, try to work on your projects or goals, yourself and relationship with God because you never know when time will stop for you.

“The likeness of the present life is this: water that We send down from the sky is absorbed by the plants of the earth, from which the people and the animals eat. Until, when the earth puts on its fine appearance, and is beautified, and its inhabitants think that they have mastered it, Our command descends upon it by night or by day, and We turn it into stubble, as if it had not flourished the day before. We thus clarify the revelations for people who reflect.” (Surah 10 vs. 24)

In life, we control very little. Being mindful of your time is necessary because God control ALL and there will come a day that you will cease to exist.