The father of a close friend passed away last Sunday (3/11) afternoon. I was invited to visit their house about a month ago, but since I was busy preparing for my trip back to the States, I didn't make time to go. I was planning to visit them last week, not knowing it would be too late to see him again.

My friend's father was battling liver cancer for a long time and even went to China for a liver transplant. Though things seemed to be going well for a while, they discovered that the cancer had spread to his lungs. There was not much that could be done.

My friend bought an apartment recently and invited me over to see it when it was all furnished about a month ago, the same week I was to go to the States. She seemed a little anxious that I go, but I put off going, figuring I could see them when I got back. Besides, I had visited them about two weeks prior, and though her father was looking thin and weary, seemed to be doing OK. Thinking back, my friend probably wanted me to go over knowing that her dad could pass away any time.

Today, I went to the hometown of friend to pay my respects. The funeral is scheduled tomorrow at 7 a.m.

Time is ticking away for all of us. Spend and cherish the time you have with those you care about.