They often say that you don’t know what you have until it’s gone, but those words are perhaps felt the strongest when we lose a loved one in death. We always wonder if we could’ve spent more time with them or have done something in order to make our relationship stronger while we were together. This is something that many people experience but sometimes, we get to hear about somebody famous who experiences something like this as well. We understand it is a devastating loss but their words often help us too.
Liam Neeson was working on a film in Toronto in March 2009. He received a call while he was filming that his wife, Natasha Richardson, had an accident. They were married for 16 years. She was taking a skiing lesson at a Québec resort when she fell and suffered from a head injury. It was completely unexpected and, as you can imagine, the news was absolutely heartbreaking for Liam.
He was still able to talk to her after she had fallen. She told him that she had just taken “a tumble in the snow.” They had no idea that it would only be a few hours later that she would pass away.
“And I went in to her and told her I loved her. Said, “Sweetie, you’re not coming back from this. You’ve banged your head. It’s – I don’t know if you can hear me, but that’s – this is what’s gone down. And we’re bringing ya’ back to New York. All your family and friends will come.” And that was more or less it.”
It was reported that she was an organ donor, so many have praised her for that generous act. She continues to live through that act of generosity but she is also quite alive in the memories of her husband and two sons, Daniel and Michael.
The pain of losing a loved one in death can be devastating. Liam says that he is able to cope with the situation at this point but it has taught him a lesson in life.
“They say the hardest thing in the world is losing someone you love. Someone you grew old with and watched grow everyday. Someone who showed you how to love. It’s the worst thing to ever happen to anyone.
My wife died unexpectedly. She brought me so much joy. She was my everything. Those 16 years of being her husband taught me how to love unconditionally. We have to stop and be thankful for our spouses. Because, life is very short. Spend time with your spouses. Treat them well. Because, one day, when you look up from your phone, they won’t be there anymore.
Live and love (every day) like it’s your last. Because, one day, it will be. Take chances and go live life. Tell the ones you love, that you love them everyday. Don’t take any moment for granted. Life is worth living.”
