I’m going to be very real for this Recovery Talk and try my best to explain the depth at which I feel this quote. Please understand I’m sharing not for sympathy but out of a passion to connect with others who are walking a similar path.

A few months ago my dad passed away. We had a very special bond, one I will never experience again. That’s where this quote comes into play in my world. I treasure every memory I have of my Dad and I working on cars, doing yard work, sitting in silence or playing Pokémon Go. When I see Burger King, Best Buy, Turtles and Tortoises, or hear certain songs I am transported back to the moment he and I were living that together. It’s painful beyond words at times but I wouldn’t trade when I’m lost in those memories for anything.

The quote is true. Time is precious and shouldn’t be wasted. Losing Dad has given me a new fire for the life I am living. It’s sparked a new passion to change the world. (Yes, I’m a dreamer!) I’m now more present with my family, more focused on school and more driven at work. All because I don’t know when another loss may come and I want everyone I come into contact with to know they are the key to change, the answer to prayers, the hope in darkness and the purpose behind everything. I’ve stopped counting the days but I’m doing everything I can to make each day count. I hope that this helps you, wherever you are and whatever you are experiencing.

If you are facing a painful situation, I hope you focus on treasuring the moments past but living each moment you have right now. Time is fleeting, time is precious, time needs to count.

Sarah Deats

Sarah Deats is the Arizona Outpatient Support Services Manager at RI International and the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer. Her goals are to make a connection with everyone that she can while building community, spreading hope, and sparking change. She believes that while life may not be easy, it is never lived alone.