Turn Around. It's Too Late.

"Turn around. It's too late

This phrase has been running around in my head and heart for the past number of days.  I am convinced that it will be a continual presence for the rest of my life.

Spending our time in some conflict that serves only to separate and divide just can’t be who we are.  Spending our time focusing on polarizing differences just can’t be who we should be. There will come a time when words and actions that serve to validate rightness over righteousness will hurt - all of us. 

There will come an instant when the distance is stretched too far and available time expires too soon..



This past Tuesday, I called my supervisor around 3PM and explained that although I had already taken Thursday off work, I would need to take Wednesday as well.

After packing and taking a short nap, I awoke, showered, and walked out the door with a cup of fresh coffee.  It was about 9:30 PM.  The plan was to drive through the night reaching St. Paul by 9AM Central. 

I didn’t get far.

The call came and my sister said,  “Turn around – it’s too late. Mom has passed."




Mom and I were at peace.  We didn’t have any arguments and experienced no separation.  We talked frequently but had not laid eyes on each other since Christmas.  And now, that moment has been recorded in history as the very last time. 

I say these things for some personal but clearly momentary relief.  I say these things to remind myself and anyone who will listen, that politics never matters as much as people. I say these things to reinforce the idea that small acts of kindness really do matter and that we shouldn’t miss opportunities to display our love for others.  I say these things because nobody wants to hear the words, “Turn around, it’s too late.”

I have one last picture.  It was taken at mom’s nursing home on National Donut Day.  I had thought I could gather together #groupsof10 to send these round deep-fried treats for my mother, the staff, and the residents of her home.  I didn’t push it, though.  And, perhaps because of this, nobody volunteered.  I did it alone – sad that it wasn’t the intent but now delighted as it provided this last photo.

Don’t misunderstand.  There’s no finger-pointing here by any means. 

I’m just trying to say that we need to care for each other in hundreds of small and simple ways while rejecting the culture of societal polarization.  No conflict should ever interfere with showing love to others. 

We are to live as Jesus lived. 

We are to prioritize people over rules, regulations, politics, and opinions. 

I was taught this as I read the stories about Jesus.

I was taught this by my mother.

Rest In Peace, Mom.  We love you.