Life, or something like it...
Today I met an elderly gentleman who had an artificial leg. The man told me that today was his first day of taking chemotherapy and he was afraid. He said that he didn't know how much longer he had to live and that not only scared him, but it also angered him as well. He said he was angry because although he had lived a full life he felt there was still so many things he had not done and so many words he had left unsaid and now he didn‘t know if was going to be able to do and say the things he felt he had to.
I won't lie - I did not like this conversation. I didn't like it because it made me feel uncomfortable - I didn't know what to say to this man, but yet, I don’t think he really wanted me to say anything, he just wanted someone to listen to him. The thing I can say is that it did make me think about things that are not always easy to think about.
The final words he said really made me think. He shook my hand, then pulled me into a hug and said, "Whatever you do - enjoy life. You never know when you wake up in the morning if it’s going to be your last."
Posted by Tony at 10/13/2008 5:42 PM 
Categories: Random People, Cancer, Life
Tags: My Art Work Advice
Categories: Random People, Cancer, Life
Tags: My Art Work Advice
Ms. B understands & appreciates how you felt. There are times like these when silence & an understanding/open heart are best. Obviously, the gentleman sensed that; which is the reason for the hug & words of wisdom & advise.
Ms. B agrees with him & suggests that you share them with others near & dear to you. "Whatever you do - enjoy life. You never know when you wake up in the morning if it’s going to be your last."
Have a happy... by the way ... you really are a great person...
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Listening is the best thing many times. Just to be heard and not just consoled and then shuffled away from. His words are some of the truest ever.
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It's a real shame it takes something shocking to happen to make us realise that we should 'live' life instead of just rushing through as fast as we can without enjoying it.
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The lesson you just learned, is one that I just learned with my wife. I fix things. If it is broken, I fix it; If it isn't broken, but a little worn, I fix it; If it isn't broken or worn, chances are that I will break it just so that I can fix it.
I realized the other day that my wife comes to me to talk about a problem. She talked, I fixed, she stormed out of the room. Needless to say, I now ask her (which she really appreciates) "Honey, do you want me to listen, or to fix it?" I would say that 9.8 times out of 10, it is just to listen.
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