There has been quite a bit happening lately, that I haven’t had time with my thoughts. My grandfather passed away only 2 months after being diagnosed with cancer. He had just turned 79. That in itself is enough to think about with regards to this life we live. My grandmother Eva, grandps first wife, was the most amazing person I have ever had the opportunity to know, let alone love. She died when I was only 13 of stomach cancer… she was only 52!
How is it that life’s cards are dealt? Who says one person lives till 52, 79, or even 18 like my younger brother? Fragility is all that comes to mind. We all want to believe that we are stronger than death, and that we can handle whatever comes our way. And for the most part, I do believe that what doesn’t kill us, does make us stronger. But stronger for what? To slave the rest of our lives hoping to one day enjoy the fruits of our labor? To make just enough money, so that we don’t have to worry about the future. What happens when that’s all you chase? Money; Retirement; the golden years. What about today?
I have finally started reading again, and have chosen Walden, by Henry James Thoreau. I am not far into it, but have been captivated by his thoughts. There is so much more to gain by finding your thoughts, and not being lost in the busyness of today. Here are a couple of quotes:
What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.
-Henry David Thoreau
You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.
-Henry David Thoreau
How true I have found these thoughts in my life recently, with regard to the encounters I have had. Meeting people from many walks of life, and many differing financial positions. There seems to be a commonality among those that travel this world with their eyes wide open… Life is beautiful every day you create anew.
I am saddened by the loss of loved ones, and even the loss of friendships that once seemed true. But one thing is certain, today… right this very moment, I am alive!
–paul
2 Comments
Paul, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. That really stinks. I checked out the family travel blog, so you guys are up near Traverse?
Ah, Thoreau! One of my favorites! Have you gotten to “Civil Disobedience” yet? You’ll like it, I think. Enjoy, breath him in, and take your time. He’s one of those guys to digest — not just read! Thinking of you all daily, and looking forward to whenever we can all just “hang” again for a while.