This past week has been one of sharply contrasting emotions and it impressed upon me how our lives are touched in so many ways and with a palette of so many colors ranging from the dark and solemn to the bright and sunny.
I learned late last week of the sorrow of a friend. His wife was killed tragically in a motorcycle accident as the driver of an SUV breezed through a stop sign. These were two people of such a good heart and soul and spirit. They were the epitome of what many would say about a husband and wife in calling them best friends. His passion was ham radio and Model -Ts and hers was quilting and motorcycles. He would tell me that while he rode with her on the motorcycles and she rode with him in the Model – T, she had no desire to talk on the radio and he had no desire to quilt. At this, he would give a little chuckle and even over the phone and the distance, you could imagine the impish glint in his eye.
That same day, my wife and I left for a three-day trip to visit friends. Each year, four couples get together to share good times, with each couple taking a turn to host. On Saturday night, the eight of us sat down to a great dinner prepared by our host and the meal was superb, as was expected, since this particular friend is a chef. We had spent the day touring the city and boating on the lake and this sumptuous repast was the perfect ending. Yet, it seemed, as we dined that the day was still fresh and just getting started. With each passing moment, the good humor and the laughter flowed as freely as the wine. The old stories that get told year after year, never seemed funnier and mingled easily and freely with the recitations of new adventures saved for the telling since our last meeting. It was agreed by all, as the evening drew to a close, and we said our goodbyes, that we had never laughed so well and so much.
Now, as I sit here, putting the final touches on this installment, the phone rings and it is my friend, my friend who lost his wife. The emotion at both ends of the conversation is keenly felt, yet the distance that separates us dissolves as we talk about a life and not a death. I am struck by one simple statement that my friend makes. “She went out on top.” I knew immediately what he meant. These two did so much together and accepted life in whatever form it presented itself, whether it be the bitter dregs at the bottom of the cup or the overflowing goblet. He had told friends at her funeral that they were always on a vacation that was occasionally interrupted by work.
Life always seems to be tossing lessons in my path and this up and down weekend was no exception. Joys and sorrows often swirl around us and mix together in a potent brew and in taking a draught I learned the lessons of laughter and of tears. We so often live our lives in a state of expectation or of anticipation, telling ourselves what we will do tomorrow and assuring ourselves that we will do it. Many times, however, life just seems to pass us by and before long the years cloud our view. It is so important to make those expectations into realities and those anticipations into memories. Plan as though you will live forever, but remember that forever begins today.
We will miss you Debbie.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Have a Great Week!
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__________________ In Fitness & Friendship, MAHLER
______________________________ __________________________ There is no light at the end of the tunnel. You carry the light with you.
Wow Mahler.... this is just awesome. What a great tribute you have written to Debbie.
__________________ It all starts with the mind, but the thoughts, the intention aren't enough. Action needs to come next. Dream it, believe it, plan it, execute it, celebrate it. - Wendy
Sorry about your friend's loss, John. Nice tribute, indeed.
__________________ “I have always done my duty. I am ready to die. My only regret is for the friends I leave behind me.”
-- Zachary Taylor, 12th U.S. President, 1849-1850
I'm sorry for your loss.
When you hear of the sudden death of a friend, it always gives me pause to think about friends and loved ones. Live life to the fullest and you'll live without regret.
Thanks John, your work is important and meaningful.
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Walk on
With hope in your heart
And You'll Never Walk Alone
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There's no free lunch, especially when it's served with special sauce (lostdog)
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Very touching, John. My condolences to Debbie's loved ones.
__________________ The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same. -- Carlos Castaneda
Wow, John, you have such a way with words. I'm sorry about the loss of your friend, but it looks like she lived her life in a way that most of us should and would like to.
John, thank you for that heartfelt post. My heart goes out to Debbie's husband, family and friends, and to you for your loss as well. Living life should be an inspiration not a chore. She did just that. Thanks for always reminding us of the little things we take for granted.
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On Krista mistressing the chin-up, "It's amazing", said one gym source, "considering that for months she just hung there like a dead fish."
Reminds me of those people who must be on the cellphone constantly either talking or texting. Instead of enjoying the company they are with, they get wrapped around talking to someone else. I wish we could all learn to enjoy NOW more often.
__________________ My BlogUSERNAME: guest PASSWORD: beachhead
afghanistan: such a shitty place, even Bono doesn't care about it.
My condolences too, John, for the loss of Debbie. I too have had reason to think about "carpe diem" this past few days as I've learned of my cousin's diagnosis with Parkinson's. It is important to refocus on what's important in life on a regular basis and make life happen.
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"Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right." - Henry Ford
"UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Seuss
"Life is no brief candle to me. It is sort of a splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." - George Bernard Shaw
I just saw this John. I am sorry for the loss of your friend. You are right, we spend too much time planning and anticipating things to come or regretting things past and forget to live in the present. Thanks for the reminder.
Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 177 – Tears & Laughter
Linear Mode
