Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Once upon a time, I lived a different life

Once upon a time I lived a different life. Eighteen years ago today, in a moment of tragedy, that life absolutely changed. John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

April 21st eighteen years ago was a lovely day. I remember looking at the blue sky and thinking, after the tragedy, of the words of the Lakota Sioux before the the Battle of the Little Big Horn, "today is a good day to die."

As we make plans to live we never are really in control of our destiny. I have learned over the years making plans is good and prudent, but it is important to live in the moment; not for the moment, but in the moment. Do not leave old wounds to fester. Do not dwell on negativity. Do not judge or carry a grudge. There may never come an opportunity to make amends and we all have flaws, after all.

Life can change on a dime and end in a heart beat.

In my opinion; if we make each day a good day to die, we also make each day a good day to live.

3 comments:

Dave A. said...

Cicero said, where's there's life, there's hope.

Unknown said...

Touching memorial, I remember vividly your story, you told me a couple of years ago. It gives me shivers just to hear you mention it again.

Nice turn of a phrase with with "good day to die." I like the Lennon quote, too. I'll add one by his mate Sir Paul McCartney, "...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."

Motormouth said...

The first day I saw you was your first day back at the photo lab after your personal tragedy. I remember wondering who this man was who was speaking so frankly about grief. I was as touched by your openness then as I am now. Love you Steve!