As a note, this was not my intended blog post for the day but Life seems to have a way to change your mind about things. I wanted to spend a few minutes talking about Life’s Defining Moments because I have had some crazy realizations this past week, all of them triggered by a few seemingly insignificant events.
Defining Moment#1
I was walking out of my building for lunch and my friend, who works Security/Reception in our building called me over. Looking kind of embarrassed he asked me a question, He wanted to know if I could pickup the papers that he had knocked off of his desk accidentally. Jason is in a wheelchair, I have never asked how he was hurt or anything like that, and really? if he wanted to talk about it, I figure he would. I gladly picked up the Items that he had dropped, then continued on my way to lunch continually thinking how fortunate I am not to have a handicap such as Jay.
Defining Moment#2
Talking with my boss, who has been working from home all week, because her sister, who has had lung transplant surgery is not doing well, at all. I really identified with her, because my brother went thru 2 Liver transplants, but still could never fully recover, and he passed away. I really can identify with what she is feeling emotionally, I went through the exact same feelings, and hated every minute. We really did some deep talking regarding life/death/spirituality, I felt we really connected. Of course we talked about some work stuff too. Her sister ended up passing away 2 weeks after this conversation.
Defining Moment #3
Our old daycare providers grandfather had passed away, so out of respect for the family we visited the funeral home. When we first walked in, we started talking with the family, offering our condolences, reading the cards, and looking at the flowers. I know I have seen this guy somewhere, is all that I kept thinking in my head.
I could not place the face of the man in the casket until I walked to the back of the room.
In the back of the room I was greeted by some very good friends that I haven’t seen in about 17 years, they were the parents of a good friend of mine. In talking with them, I remembered exactly where I had seen the man in the casket. This man was good friends with these people I met in the back, and 17 years ago I remember talking with him at their house. I remember our conversation vividly, almost Erie like.
Conclusion: This post isn’t about life or death, or deadlines or helping people…. For me It’s about the realization of myself, and also a warning to not let time slip by without noticing the cool things of life, pay attention, be aware, “Carpe diem” (Sieze the day). Looking back at that conversation I had with the man in the casket 17 years ago, really? seems like yesterday.. Where has the time gone?
Look at the world with an open mind, Be excited about tommorow, assume your role in this world by being the best person you can be and not letting a day go by that you don’t enjoy.
Love your past, present, and future.
Jim
“Your past is like beautiful oil paintings that have been completed with time, Your future is the blank canvas of tomorrow. “- Me
