DISCLAIMER: Those pieces contributed to Something.of.Substance do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or of the community. However, they are Substantial to the contributor, adhere to the guidelines and give everyone Something to think about. -S.o.S
.contributed by Lo.
I work for a small company. The principal managers have been working with an outside broker, Mary, for 30 years. I met Mary a year ago, but immediately realized she was the type of person that always puts others before herself, which most people, including me, struggle to do. A really good person. I sent her the pictures taken at our company Christmas party in December, and she emailed back to say I looked radiant and asked what I used on my skin…we emailed back and forth about skin care and the importance of girl talk. Two weeks later, I received an email that Mary had died of cancer. I was really shocked, because she hadn’t told anyone she was ill. I wasn’t even a close friend, but she touched so many lives in meaningful ways, I was deeply saddened by the news.
It suddenly became real to me that we are all given only a short time on this earth, and it is up to us to take full advantage of the time we are given. I’ve begun to look more closely at my relationships and think more carefully about my actions and my future. It’s not enough to sit tight and let life happen, as so many people seem to. I cannot let the give-and-take of relationships, bad decisions or inaction interfere with following my dreams. I don’t think anyone should have to wonder “what if?” or “What if I had only….” “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” (George Eliot) Life matters. Live, Laugh, Love…that is what we were made to do. Follow your heart and take joy in life, because every day is a gift.
