Saturday 10 October 2009

The fragility and frailty of the human species comes to light more and more often, the older we get.

There have been scares and crises in people's lives... people I consider important to me. People who are dear to my heart, although some are not physically near.

Strokes and TIAs, cancers, illness and surgeries, joints beyond repair and in need of replacement. The list just gets longer as time goes on.

I myself have not had major issues. I have had surgeries and damaged joints, nothing needing replacement at this time but things that definitely slow me down.

But what has hit me the hardest, is how we just never know when our number will be up. Even for those fighting the evil spread of mutating cells, you could win that battle and get run over by a bus.

You just never know.

I have realized that I need to be verbalizing how much people mean to me, how important seeing them is, and it has spurred me to make the time (when I can in a crazy-busy life) to spend time with family and friends and to tell them that I care about them.

It has also made me realize that I want my own quality of life to improve. So that I can enjoy the second half of my life (cuz I do want to be like my grandmother and get as close to 100 as I can - in decent health, of course) doing the things that I've not done up to now.

I want to meet some of the people I have met through this medium, to share a drink and a meal and some time swapping stories. To experience their little corner of the universe that I have only read about. To add to the relationship we have established online and make it more three dimensional. To let them know I have come to appreciate their wisdom and talent and humour in the written word. And that I wish to expand those relationships into true friendships that extend beyond cyberspace and into the real world.

Life is meant to be experienced to the fullest when we have the ability - both physically and mentally - to do so. Take the time earlier in your life to do that. Don't wait until you are 65 and retiring. Take trips now. Take your kids on trips. Have huge family gatherings. Reunions of relatives from near and far. Keep in touch with old chums from your school days. Don't lose out on the friendships that will last for the rest of your life, even though it means taking the time to stay in touch.

A lot of younger people (and older ones too) don't seem to realize that friendship is just like marriage - well, almost... - in that they both require effort on both parts to keep the relationship healthy and happy and fulfilling. Be honest and fair with both yourself and your family and friends, and you will have the richest life you could ever imagine. Be a good person, to everyone you know and may not yet know... The dividends you get paid back will be so much more than what you invested.

Perhaps I am just rambling on here, but in light of recent events with people I care about, I just felt the need to spill a bit of what has been rumbling around inside me.

To those I care about, to those I know a little or know a lot, just know that I love each and every one of you and wish only that you have rich and satisfying lives in whatever capacity best suits you. Make the most of each and every day. Wear your heart on your sleeve and let the light shine forth through your eyes and smile. The world will be a brighter place for it.

10 comments:

  1. Hey doll, we think the world of you as well. It would do me a lot of good to see you happily settled with a decent man, and a hoose full of laughter of a neet.

    Your post is very poignant, and comes straight fae the heart. Don't ever change hen, you are one in a million.

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  2. Beatiful and heartfelt sentiments! Your words are wise and honest. I can totally understand what you're saying. I lost my dad when I was 8, and it was a life changing experience. In a way, it made me grow up fast. I knew then that life was fragile, too short. I've tried to live life to the fullest, and most times, I succeed. Other times, I forget because I'm too caught up with work and other things that take up my time and lose sight of the important things, the people who matter.

    My mother passed away recently, and instead of the anger and sorrow I felt when my dad died, my mother's passing left me with a sense of peace, relief, and though I was sad, I'm very glad that I said everything that I needed to say to her, to thank her, to talk with her. Life is short, and time moves on with or without us. You're right. Take that trip you've always dreamed of. Try new things. Laugh more with your friends and loved ones. Take lots and lots of pictures. Everyday you're alive is an opportunity to be with the people you love and do the things that make you happy.

    So thanks for being you, Ponita! You're awesome and I've enjoyed your writings. Cheers!

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  3. All very wise and kind observations. Thank you for putting that all into words.

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  4. An entirely sensible post and one we should all heed, but rarely do. There are so many things I wish I had done, or hadn't done. But life is too short for regrets and I want to have as few as possible when my time comes.

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  5. you are a delight, sugar! thank you for this and for just being you. xoxoxo

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  6. A big yes to everything you've said here. Life is so unpredictable and it's tragic to not live it as fully as we are able. That means different things to each of us, but the feeling of fulfillment should be the same.

    I haven't commented in a while, but I have been reading. So pleased that you had a thoroughly pleasant "meet and greet" recently. It just boggles my mind that you're still single while others far less deserving have men falling all over them. There seems to be a serious taste and judgement deficit in our local male population! Any man who can't appreciate a strong, intelligent woman isn't much of a man, in my humble opinion.

    Hope that the entrepreneur plans are all falling into place. Nursing is a taxing profession, so I totally understand your desire to get out and be your own boss.

    Have a lovely Thanksgiving, whatever your plans might be. Stay warm, too! :)

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  7. Hi Ponita,

    There was no rambling, only the dear sweet heartfelt words of a wonderful woman and friend.

    I remember the very first comment I left on your blog and I thought I had gotten off on terribly wrong manner. You made me feel at ease and it's been that way ever since. Although geography distances us, I feel as though we would be good friends who could laugh and talk on so many things that interest us; no matter where we are physically.

    You've shared so much of your self in this blog, I admit I'm not that forthcoming; only allowing slivers of my life to appear. Still, you call me "friend" and I cannot tell you how I value you for that.

    Even if our paths never cross, our lives intersect here and I hope always that you realize your desires; a good and happy life.

    U

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  8. I love de bones of ya!

    (This is something we only say to our dearest!)

    xxx

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  9. I appreciate the honesty part :)

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