Time passes by so quickly that the memories, the experiences, and the goals we have start to disappear. I always say I will do something to change the world, but first, I must start with myself. I’d like to remember every day and live it to the fullest. Some days may be better than others, but the drive and persistence I have to leave a mark in this world keeps me going.
My mom has a friend who writes a Facebook note every day with the date and everything that happened in his life throughout the years on that date. How he memorizes these details has left me curious. 1994, 1984, 2004…he has these specific years and these random events. What may seem so insignificant to us means the world to him. We may not care that he was with a group of his friends when he watched a baseball game or when he just grabbed a bite to eat with his dad, but to him, these people and places have impacted the way he lives his life and the person he has become.
I bet one of my good friends is wishing she would have taken the time to write down everything that has happened in her life. I got word from her the other day that after a series of strokes that her father has been having, the outcome of his life isn’t looking too good. After a series of highs, such as her father having a conversation with her, to a series of lows (mood swings), she told me this morning that hospice care told her family that he only has a matter of days until he passes. Annie is one of the strongest people I know. She is juggling school, finances, and now a father who has always been in and out of the hospital. For as long as I can remember, she is the rock that keeps her family together and she does it with such grace and dignity—grace, being her middle name, is extremely fitting. She cares more about others than herself and when she asked me if she could vent to me about her dad, of course I said yes.
Every little event in our lives is important. I should start journaling and chronicle the moments of my life. My friend spent 22 years with a man that taught her how to play music, taught her how to sing, and taught her how to be a good friend and daughter.
I guess my advice to you is to explore the world. Try things you never thought you would. Write down those little moments in life that may matter to you because someday, you want to look back and remember the good and sometimes, even the bad things that happen to you. Every day I learn something new and it opens up my eyes to a world I have never seen before.
So, Go outside. Open your eyes and look at the world around you. You only have one life to live, so make the most of it.
-Lissy
This is terribly sad for Annie, but is a story that has a wealth worth sharing, thankyou.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Lissy. I wish the best for your friend. She sounds like an amazing person.
ReplyDeleteThanks Annie and Matt. I'm sad to report that he passed away last night. Im going to the funeral tomorrow :(
ReplyDeletethank you for introducing us to an inspiring musician and taking the time to share your perspective on the big picture of life - hugs to both you and your friend Annie - you're blessed to have each other
ReplyDeleteThanks Ali--it was no problem at all. It's a blog that I had been thinking about doing for a while so I thought here would be a good place. She's a great person...it's sad to see her so down
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes! I couldn't have said this better myself, in fact, these exact thoughts (besides the info about your friends father) have been lingering in my head for the past 4 years.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin, Jill, has been recording in her journal since we were 10 years old. She must have 40 by now. I have always been envious that I never decided to take the time to do it. I was to busy living my life.
"I bet one of my good friends is wishing she would have taken the time to write down everything that has happened in her life." Everyday I wish that I had taken the time to write down my thoughts, and special events, even events that don't mean much- those are the times we cherish the most..
I feel like I want to take your entry and frame it for every teenager out in this big amazing world....
Thank you for your thoughts, they mean a lot to so many!!
Thanks Samantha. I'm really glad you enjoyed my blog. Youre welcome to print it out haha! Figured I'd pass along some thoughts that had been swirling around in my head all that day!
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