TIME
This was written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend.
The last line says it
all.
Dear Bertha, I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and
admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending
more time with my family and friends and less time working. Whenever possible,
life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to
recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; I use my good china and crystal for every special
event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis
blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can
shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries.
I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in
the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If
it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for
the tomorrow that we all take for granted.
I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They
might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past
squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for
whatever their favorite food was.
I'm guessing; I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours
were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to
write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and
parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to
put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our
lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special.
Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.
I don't believe in Miracles. I rely on them.