Living, Not Existing

A few of years ago, I met a wonderful man who served in the Army during World War II. He was at Pearl Harbor 71 years ago, stationed at Schofield Barracks. He came to talk to the Boy Scout Troop about his experiences in the service, and was kind enough not to varnish anything with a nice coat of pretty. One of the Scouts was paying rapt attention, and he asked him, “What did you learn from the Army?”

I thought it was rather a vague question, but he said very loudly, “Never take Life for granted!!”

Hubby learned that lesson while in Egypt. I learned it when I was very young, from my uncle and his alcoholism. That vet was 84 years old, and was planning to go hiking in the Appalachian Mountains that year. He passed away a couple of years ago, and I have no doubts he died happy.

As for me, I don’t have to do anything spectacular to live Life to my fullest. Knowing my kids are becoming responsible, conservative adults is plenty! But yes, sometimes you want to do that crazy thing and say you did it. For me, that would have to be swimming with sharks feeding wild cats riding roller coasters …….

Sigh….. I’ll think of something.