Our wonderful editor, Rob Lauer, is wise and knows instinctively what is important in life and what is not. His monthly columns (On the Front Porch With You) are always touching, and last month's mentioned how even traditions eventually change. His pull quote was, "But sometime it will be the last time. The same old things will never be the same again." When I read it, and each time I thought about it, I felt a little sad and nostalgic. But it was a glorious reminder to focus on what we value at our core.

Who we celebrate holidays with, share our interests with, or confide in, all have special meaning to us. Do we tell them how much we value them? Have we always "meant to?" Would Christmas be the same without them? Cheering on our favorite basketball team? Confiding a secret hope?

Looking back at those I lost over my lifetime, some I did not have (or did not take or make) the opportunity to let them know what they meant to me. I hope I will not repeat those lapses.

There are those who are entirely alone, of course, whom we should seek out, if just with a phone call or a handwritten note. Better still, an invitation to breakfast or even a cup of coffee. Those who read our story on Oak Grove United Methodist Church know about their Wednesday night suppers that are free and open to everyone. (Read that story online at TheShopper.com.) Maybe just go to a dinner and sit with someone who is eating alone, and chat!

Once upon a time during my pre-Shopper years, I penned individual letters to everyone on our "Christmas card list." Looking back, I am so very happy I had those years and that kind of correspondence.

Would it be trite to say that many times never come again? Certainly, unique times come and go. Yesterday's missed opportunities are gone forever, but tomorrow's are endless!