You know how it is about forwarded email messages. I was about to delete this but decided not to. I’m glad I did. After reading this, I realized that life is short and it is up to us to make life worth living. We tend to make too many rules for ourselves to the point that we become so restricted and become like mechanized robots. And all there is to it is simple: Living Well, Loving Much and Laughing Often. Read on, faithful readers. You have been tagged as my friend…
One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them – all in all, a pleasant bunch.
When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, “Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.”
I wasn’t sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. “Along with heatedapple pie,” Jim added, completely unabashed.
We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn’t enjoy mine.
I couldn’t take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn’t believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.
The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.
I smiled. He asked if he amused me.
I answered, “Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?”
He laughed and said “I’m tasting all that is Possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life’s so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.”
“This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven’t been this old before. So, before I die, I’ve got to try those things that for years I had ignored.
“I haven’t smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven’t fished. There’s more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.
“There are too many golf courses I haven’t played. I’ve not laughed at all the jokes. I’ve missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.
“I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.
“I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.
“I haven’t cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again.
“So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I’d say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart’s desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired..”
With that, I called the waitress over.. “I’ve changed my mind, ” I said. “I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!”
This is my gift to you – We need an annual Friends Day! If you get this twice, then you have more than one friend. Live well, love much & laugh often – Be happy.
SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS.
Be mindful that happiness isn’t based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!
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Tags: life is beautiful






General Santos Time


August 14th, 2010 at 9:26 AM
I miss eating chocolates.
This came at a very good time for me.
Thanks Mare!
August 14th, 2010 at 10:37 AM
@ria — mare sometimes kasi sobrang conscious tayo sa sasabihin ng ibang tao kaya tuloy we begin to set standards na di naman importante!
now, let’s just rampa together and go bitbit the kekero… hahahaha!
August 14th, 2010 at 11:30 AM
“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.”♪
August 14th, 2010 at 11:51 AM
this is one great story! sabi nga nila people now adays either drive or walk too fast…they hardly notice the beautiful view they’re missing around them. the last thing they know the moment already passed by….=) a good reminder that no matter how good of a health buff we are. No one comes out of life alive anyways soooooo…why not enjoy nalang every moment diba! Live, Love and Laugh has always been my motto!=)
August 14th, 2010 at 12:03 PM
@gilbertyaptan — friend for life and for keeps… friends forever!
August 14th, 2010 at 12:03 PM
@Girlie — very well said! walang ibang magiging dahilan ng saya ng tao kundi ang sarili nya… LIVE, LOVE AND LAUGH!
August 14th, 2010 at 3:26 PM
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August 14th, 2010 at 8:18 PM
wonderful!thanks for sharing…
if we follow all the rules, we will miss the fun!
August 14th, 2010 at 10:29 PM
just on time..i was really in deep contemplation trying to realize the joy of living..for a while i was able to relate to it.but the antagonist..i have restricted myself with too many donts..to the point that i havent enjoyed the other side of the world. i havent enjoyed the true freedom of living..but just after reading it..i was comforted..thank you..love you
August 15th, 2010 at 1:37 AM
Jim is right — life is too short to live a restricted life.
re: food. all foods are good. it just becomes bad or evil when one eats it beyond moderation.
thank you for sharing, Orman! Great lesson for today.
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August 15th, 2010 at 3:50 AM
Very nice post. We should really stop once in a while and appreciate the finer things in life.
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August 15th, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Now i don’t feel so guilty with the churros w/chocolate and mango cinnamon dips i had with Rob, nanay, paul, kiko and veroni!
I must admit i miss eating all those heavenly-tasting food! But sometimes, we have to really break away and just have fun, esp if ur w/ur loved ones….