Two of my friends died rather abruptly recently. They seemed ok in the morning but by evening or the next day, they were gone. Of course, they were both over 70 so death is not a complete surprise but such rapid losses are a strong reminder of the mortality of us all.
They are also strong reminders to me that I am alive. Alive, capable of movement and thought! Pretty cool! I am grateful for the good fortune. It is possible to be appreciative of the ability to raise a hand, to close and open a hand, to use fingers individually. Building a machine that can do what my hands do would be beyond me. How about sight? How about being bipedal and having the ability to carry things while balancing a complex body on just two feet?
I spend much of my time reading, writing and speaking. Knowing what those three activities are, how to do them and getting the benefits personally, internally and socially externally seems to be beyond the birds and squirrels outside. When my in-laws were in a senior living home, they didn't ever lose their obvious appreciation of chocolate and coffee. A piece of good chocolate or a well-made cup of coffee with the right temperature and the right strength is a treat but only for those of us alive to their value.
As we get older, just seeing each other, before any hugging or kissing gets going, just seeing another and being seen by that other is a joy. I can recognize, remember and empathize with a friend that is precious and lovely and joyful. Standing up, swallowing, driving, going for a walk, texting - so many things to be thankful for.
Just take a deep breath and exhale slowly to feel the power of the living body, to participate in being alive. What a great miracle! Take a moment to appreciate the holy gift your life is. You have to devote some time to paying your taxes, figuring what to make for dinner, brushing your teeth but spend some time appreciating what you have and what you are while you can.
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