TIME
(written
by an 83-year-old woman to her friend)
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; we use our 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.
People say true
friends must always hold hands, but true friends don't need to hold hands
because they know the other hand will always be there.
I don't believe
in Miracles. I rely on them.
Related quote:
"Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. Regina Brett
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