I HAVE a friend with a terminal affliction and her perspective on life is surely nothing short of enviable. It kind of reminds me of that “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” hit song and the Patton film’s laconic ending narration, “Life is fleeting.” Her point of view screams, we are only here for a while, so I might as well make the best of what I’ve got left. Purely hedonistic for some, but stoic enough for me.
At this, other memories and images come to mind. There is another buddy who also has the dreaded C, saying quite candidly why he needs a few days of rest after a night of having a few drinks. “that’s the way with us people who have cancer.” He says it with no more ifs and buts, just flat-out yup acceptance.
Finally, I will never forget my Lola Tonying when she once rebuked us all when we reminded her of not eating her favorite dishes because of her diabetes. “So when can I have them, when I’m already dead?“
That may have been amusing then but now, I have come to realize that, like in the case of these three dear ones, there comes a time when we just have to accept whatever life throws at us and more important, just be grateful we were even given rent space.
There isn’t really anything foolish about the mindset after all. It’s not even bravado or pride, just accepting we should never forget to be grateful for the littlest things. A mere breath is worthy of thanks and we have much more to be grateful for.
As all go about our way, many gripe and whine at every opportunity. No thanks. Include me among this horde. If, in some moments, the clouds appear to have opened for light to stream in, they are never really that for long. It seems.
I am presently at the bus top carrying a bag of mangoes, avocados, and lemons to bring home, all given by relatives during my brief stay. It’s because of this wee feeling of thankfulness I am thinking back and looking forward to the greater ones we really should be thankful for.
