Sparks City Coun

Kristopher Dahir Sparks City Council

Saying Goodbye

Imagine that you only had one day to say goodbye to your loved ones before going on a long trip. That’s right--this trip begins tomorrow morning! You don’t get to bring your stuff with you and your loved ones will need to make all of the decisions about your possessions in your absence. You would see them again, sure, but the actual length of the Kristopher Dahir wait was unknown. In this instance, you might want to discuss a few things with them. First, you would want them to know how much you care for and value them. If there was any reason for them to question that love, you might consider over-communicating your heartfelt feelings. You would want to make sure that all obstacles were out of the way of that very important message. If your relationship required forgiveness, then you would make sure to let them know you forgive them, or ask for forgiveness for yourself. You see, when you cherish your family, you do all you can to keep them in a safe and healthy environment, ensuring they have a strong and sure foundation. By talking with them about your love, value and forgiveness, you assure that the safe foundation you have built will stay in place as your loved ones face tomorrow without you. Second, you would certainly want to tell them what to do with all of your stuff. There is going to be a lot of stress when you say goodbye and it will be hard enough for your loved ones to deal with missing you. The added weight of them trying to decide how to handle your possessions without you only adds stress to an already difficult situation. Before your trip, you would want to write down your wishes and make it clear what you want to see happen while you are away. Finally, you would likely take a moment to “shape your legacy” by sharing with your loved ones about all the things you want them to remember. It would be nice if everyone could read minds and just know all of the things that matter to you, especially because no one likes to talk about leaving behind those they cherish so deeply. However, it is so important for your loved ones to hear from you. When you take a moment to let them know about your legacy and their part in it, you actually instill hope and purpose in them. If you leave and they have to find these answers on their own, there is an unnecessary risk of those you love losing sight of what that legacy could truly be. So, just in case you have not yet figured out what I am really talking about, let’s speak clearly. I am speaking of dying, or what I like to call “graduation”. This is because I believe what is awaiting us on the other side of this life is far greater and more

fulfilling than anything we have experienced here on earth. The strange thing about this conversation is that it is not just a conversation to have because of a person’s age. None of us knows when the graduation music will play and we will walk down that aisle into eternity. Some graduate young and some will get to live a nice long life. Either way, this life is precious and living should be treated with the utmost care. Now if you have read this far, I am very proud of you. I spend time with plenty of folks who avoid this conversation at all costs. Sometimes people remain silent out of fear of the unknown. Maybe they do not know what to say and/or the conversation seems too awkward or difficult. In my 30 years of serving families and individuals as their pastor, I have seen a few people who handle this process correctly and secure a strong legacy for themselves with their family. Sadly, however, the majority of people choose not to have these important conversations. When the dust settles and a few months go by after a loved one graduates, there will almost certainly be lingering feelings of nostalgia and sadness, heartache and, possibly, gratefulness. I mention gratefulness because it is the healthiest outcome of this difficult season. When a loved one can look back over the life of the person they miss without obstacles, like doubting ones love or complicated unforgiven situations, the natural conclusion is a gratefulness for that person to have been in their life.

In closing, I hope you remember that each day you are alive is a gift. We are only here on this earth for a short time and the best investment you can make with that time is caring for and loving others.

Flu Season / from page 4 In addition to making sure you and your loved ones get your vaccines this year, I also urge you to continue to wear a mask in public, practice social distancing, clean frequently touched surfaces and wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. It’s equally important to make sure to care for yourself with plenty of rest, good nutrition, hydration, exercise and stay mentally active by keeping in touch with family via the internet or on the phone. Access to reliable health care is my top priority, and I want to ensure Nevada’s seniors are prepared this flu season. There is a lot of misinformation being pushed out there, so please know that my office is a resource to you and can always help connect you with important resources or answer your questions. We all need to look out for each other this winter, don’t be scared to look for a helping hand.