“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” – — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.”

— Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc.

When I was younger, I never thought of death much. My maternal grandmother died when I was 11 years old. I cried and knew I would miss her, but my thoughts weren’t deep.   I never knew my other grandparents since they had all passed prior to my birth. When my parents had both passed, I started to see death differently. I pondered thoughts about God, heaven, and life. I realized that you must enjoy every day and every moment since, in reality, life is short.  When I was growing up, I remember my dad used to say to me, “don’t wish your life away”.  He certainly was correct.  Life has its ups and downs, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t enjoy every day, even if it is only appreciating the little things.

A couple of weeks ago, one of Sal’s cousins passed unexpectedly and quickly. He was a hunting buddy and a good friend to Sal.  His cousin had called earlier that morning and Sal had missed his call.  He really beat himself up over missing the call, but of course at the time, how would Sal know that his cousin would pass away only a couple of hours later.  This past Friday, there was a celebration of life for his cousin. Although we both shed a few tears, what struck Sal was how many people he had met through his cousin. Many of them were hunters and they were busy sharing stories and reminiscing about hunting trips, statistics, and the latest duck decoys. There was joy in the room as people shared stories and the impact Sal’s cousin had on their lives.

I look back upon my life, and sometimes I wish I had done some things differently. But yet when I give it thought, everything happens for a reason. My life would be very different if I had taken a different path.   I was divorced at 25. At the time I was devastated, but thinking back I grew as a person, learned to be independent and make my way through life. I remember when my husband at the time left me, and I thought I’ll need to support myself and it was scary.  But then I thought, it is sink or swim and I’m not sinking.  That happened many years ago now and I think of some of the blessings that came from it. I was single for about 12 years and kept busy. I enjoyed tennis, took painting classes, cake decorating, and had lots of friends. I met Sal and we have been married for 34 years now. I lived near my parents much of that time and stopped by frequently to chat. During this time, I learned much about our family history and heard stories about my mom and dad growing up and how they met. It was priceless information that I think of often now and am so happy I had the time to sit and chat.

I recently turned 74. I don’t think about my age much, but I am reminded of it when many of my grammar and high school friends have passed away.  Just another reminder to enjoy every day.

 “The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, to the fullest. Do what matters, now.”

— Leo Babauta, writer and Zen blogger.