Key Point: Personal wake up calls are all around us. Do we really take notice? Do we do something about it? Today? Tomorrow? The day after? Only to be reminded again, and repeat?
Last week I walked to our campus at about 7:45 a.m. and noticed police cars around the front doors. The campus manager called me over with a sense of urgency as I picked up my pace through the reception area. One of our teammates had collapsed in his work area after a regular morning workout. Tragically, he passed away on route to the hospital. Ironically, his job in the company revolved around safety/ wellness. He was just 49, and leaves behind two young children, a loving wife, bereft friends, family and co-workers.
The week before, my wife and I invited a long time friend and his wife over for dinner. He had a sore throat and went to the doctor to check it out that morning. When they joined us that evening, they revealed that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. We shared tears and hopes for a prognosis that meant at least a few more years. He passed away, not even two weeks after his diagnosis. We’re all stunned in mourning.
We all know this. We are reminded constantly that ALL we have is NOW. Yet, our chattering, bossy mind is intent on having us belabor the past and/or long for the future. “If only I hadn’t,” “if only when.” There is nothing new in this blog. I am sharing nothing of real insight. However, if after reading it you cherish today just a little more then you might normally, it’s a useful reflection. Perhaps you will call that important person you haven’t talked to in a while to say thank you? Maybe take a moment to watch the clouds, feel the warmth of the sun? Sing along to that great song? Forgive someone you care for far too much to hold a grudge. Perhaps it’s having the courage to get that nagging symptom finally checked out? You know what I’m talking about. At the risk of adding too much to this “reminder” blog, it is certain that one day (thankfully a date most of us are unaware of), it will be you or me someone is talking about over lunch. “Did you hear ____ passed away?” “Oh yeah?” “That’s too bad… Mind passing the mustard?”
Character Moves:
- Cherish today just a little bit more. You’re worth it.
NOW in The Triangle,
Lorne
One Millennial View: Millennials get to learn little by little that we’re not so invincible, after all. Blogs like this one really help. This week my boss is gone, which puts me in charge. One of my writers/on camera talents arrived feeling a little sluggish… I (funny enough) learned from her Snapchat story (haha) that she was out the night before celebrating her upcoming birthday, and came to work with about one hour of sleep. You know what though? I said “good for you!” Because you know what I did Wednesday night? I watched something dumb on Netflix before hitting the sack around 11 p.m. She was out collecting memories and stories. Sure, it was rough sledding the next day, but she still worked like a champ (energy drinks helped), and I promise she remembers what she did on Wednesday 03/02/16… I can’t even recall what I watched! Live it up, do it now, cause it’s too true, you never know.
– Garrett
Edited and published by Garrett Rubis