“Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back,” said Harvey Mackay, a successful American businessman, author and syndicated columnist. 

It has taken me awhile to learn, but time is valuable.

Life is busy. I think it has always been but not as fast paced as it is today. Everyone seems to be in a hurry. We have advanced technology at our fingertips. Social media has become a mainstream.

There is no getting around it. It is the way of the world.

Now it’s not all bad. There has been a lot of good that has come of it. However, there is nothing like a face to face visit or small talk.

Last year, I found out a friend of mine here in Big Lake knew my first grade teacher, Joan Christiansen from Buffalo. I contacted Malo and asked her about Joan and where she was living? Mrs. Christensen, (she will always be to me) was 92 and stilled lived in the same house in Buffalo. I wanted to go see her. Malo contacted Joan and set up the meeting. It was going to be a surprise.

The day arrived. Malo was just as excited about this visit as I was. We met in Buffalo and headed to Joan’s house. Malo knocked and walked in. She said, “I brought a friend with me.” I had given Malo a picture of myself in grade school and one of my parents.

I walked in and I started a video. Malo handed Joan my picture and asked if she knew who this girl was. 

Joan said, “Yes.” She looked up at me and asked, “Are you this girl?” 

I said, “Yes.” 

She was trying to remember my name, but it had been a long time and many students. Malo showed her a picture of mom and dad. 

Joan goes, “That’s, oh.” 

I said my dad’s name and she said, “Yes, that it.” 

I told her my name and asked her if she remembered me. 

She smiled, “Yes.”

We had a nice visit and a walk down memory lane. She was a great teacher. One I would never forget. Malo told me I had made Joan’s day and she would be talking about that visit for quite some time. Little did she know she made my day and year.

I learned of her passing a couple weeks ago. I was sad to hear the news but remembered our visit last October.

Throughout the year, I try to stay in contact with friends, classmates, old neighbors and former co-workers. It might be lunch, a phone call, a visit, a text, messenger, email or a letter. If we are able to meet, there is always a picture.

Life changes quickly and I don’t want to have any regrets. After the loss of both parents, I realize the value in simple things and time. Time is the greatest gift you can truly give someone. Things don’t last but memories do.

This past spring, my brother and I ventured out for lunch. I picked him up and we cruised around Buffalo Lake to our favorite spot. Reminiscing about our younger years and how much fun life was as a kid.

Just recently, my sister had her birthday. I wanted to spend time with her. I had the convertible top down, hair was blowing and the tunes cranked. We were singing and having a great time.

Some days it is coffee with the neighbor or a few words with the mail carrier. A little time goes a long ways.

I close my eyes. Only for a moment and the moment is gone. It slips away. All your money won’t another minute buy.

Take the time.