Why We Should Honor the People We Love While They Are Still Here

A year ago, I shared this poem after learning of the passing of someone I knew. Their death reminded me of something we often overlook: many people do not receive their flowers until after they are gone.

Too often, we wait until a funeral, memorial service, or homegoing celebration to speak about someone’s kindness, impact, and the difference they made in our lives. We fill rooms with beautiful arrangements and heartfelt words, yet the person we are honoring is no longer here to enjoy them.

This poem is a reminder that love, appreciation, and gratitude should not be reserved for someone’s final farewell. The people we cherish need to hear our words while they are still here. They need to know they are valued, loved, and appreciated while they can still receive those blessings.

As I repost this poem on Walking By Faith with Char, I encourage you to take a moment to honor someone you love. Tell them what they mean to you. Speak life over them. Celebrate them while they are still present to hear your words and enjoy their flowers.

Give Me My Roses

Please give me my roses while I am still in your midst because I do not know the day or hour when I will leave you behind.

Let me enjoy their fragrance and beauty as they remind me of your love and kindness.

Please show me your care while I can still see it.

Please do not wait until I am dead and gone to express your love when it no longer means anything to me.

Speak life over me while I am here.

Please do not wait until I am gone to tell me how much I meant to you or how much you will miss the time we shared, because I have a feeling I will not be able to hear it.

Show your love while I am still in your presence, not the kind of love that is often displayed only during a homegoing service.

I am here now, so do not take this moment for granted. Today may be the last day I share this space with you.

So give me my roses while I am near.

Do not wait until God calls me home and I completely disappear before you tell me how much I meant to you.

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