“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision.” —Helen Keller
Nothing stays the same forever. Everything changes—sometimes slowly, sometimes suddenly.
This past summer, I spent some time away from home. We visited family in Nebraska and South Dakota and enjoyed a few nights in Colorado. Our trip was lovely. I’m thankful to have such a family where even ten days together seems too short.
There were many enjoyable and memorable moments during our trip, but there is one 24-hour period that sticks out to me. In the span of one short day during our visit to South Dakota, three distinct events occurred.
First, I helped my 92-year old grandfather maneuver into his home in his wheelchair. Last December, while at work, he fell and broke his femur. His healing continues but with various setbacks. Doctors are confident he will walk again, but it will be another 5-6 months. In the meantime, he still works full-time—but with considerable inconvenience. This was the first time I had seen firsthand the full extent of his injuries.
Second, I drove past the home of Don Meyer. Don Meyer, a close family friend, was once the all-time winningest college basketball coach. One month ago today, at the age of 69, Don lost his battle with cancer. His cancer was first discovered in 2008 following a car accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg. He is survived by his wife, Carmen, who now lives in their home alone.
Third, while driving to my brother’s house later that evening, I came upon an awful car accident with crushed automobiles, injured bodies, and deep pain. The scene was hard for anyone to witness. The physical and emotional pain will continue for the drivers—and extend almost certainly to their families as well.
24 hours. Three unique stories. Each with little in common except for one life-transforming thread: Sometimes events happen in the blink of an eye that change the course of our lives forever.
When we least expect it, tragedy can strike. And it often does, in an instant. With little to no warning, our lives are turned upside-down forever.
I was reminded this past summer that nobody is guaranteed their health for another day—it can be taken suddenly by accident or diagnosis. Nobody is guaranteed the presence of their spouse for another day. None of us are even guaranteed breath in the morning.
The foolish scoff at this pronouncement assuming tragedy will never strike. Those in denial will refuse to accept it or simply try to change the subject.
But those who recognize and accept the truth that life is fragile live their lives fully in light of it. (tweet that)
Those who understand life can be changed forever in the blink of an eye will seek to:
- Find joy and gratitude in their present blessings. They will recognize every good thing in life is a fragile gift.
- Remove fleeting pursuits. Our lives are too valuable to waste chasing and maintaining unneeded possessions.
- Overcome the past and not make assumptions about the future. Instead, they will live each day in the present.
- Make the most of every opportunity. Forgive who needs to be forgiven. Express love and gratitude to those who deserve to hear it.
- Live lives of significance. Each new day is an opportunity to make a difference. Don’t waste it.
Our lives are fragile. They can change in an instant. Live today in light of this truth—and carry no regrets.
Yan Tougas says
Thank you for a wonderful post Joshua. It is a great reminder that we must take action to become at peace with the past. Without this peace, it may be impossible to live in the present moment.
Eric West | Rethinking the Dream says
Sounds like a very emotional week. The lesson shared is a good one. We have to make good use of the time we have available. I spent too many years trying to keep up with everyone else. In the last few years I have started to follow my own path with a big focus on family and living our own adventures rather than doing what everyone else thinks we should do.
Ailson De Moraes says
We are all here to serve humanity
Be a servant and you will fulfil your real dreams!
Bri says
A week ago, I lost a dear friend to cancer. He was 28 with a wife and two young daughters. The virulent cancer was discovered last summer and he fought it as long as he could. He was so healthy and loved fitness. I’m not sure I will ever be the same after this loss and it has cemented for me everything you have just said. None of us are guaranteed a long life or happy ending. We can strive to give each day of life we’re blessed with our very best. Thank you.
kayse says
Wonderful post, this is so very true! It’s so important to slow down enough to realize what a gift each day is.
Yanic A. says
What a heart breaking post… but still so important of a message. The Buddha taught that “all things are impermanent”… most days, that makes me hopeful. No matter how hard I find the moment I am in, it too shall pass. But sometimes, I find myself in fear of it. My human heart wants to hold on to things. It is a definite double edge sword.
Live the life you want to live today, tomorrow hasn’t happened yet and yesterday is gone.
Thank you for sharing your heart.
Ailson De Moraes says
We are all here to serve humanity
Be a servant and you will fulfil your real dreams!
Izabelle says
This is the first lesson I remember learning as a child. My first meeting with death was that of my friend. We were 5 years old and she was hit by a freight truck. It only occurred to me much later that one can die of illness or old age. It impressed on me that in life, there are no dress rehearsals. Life begins at birth, and old age could be right now for all we know.
LL says
Hoo boy! The only thing that helps us through all the deaths, loss of jobs, loss of home, loss of pets, loss of health is some inner core that can take the crashing waves or bend like a lithe willow. If we work on that instead of all the extraneous crap that enters our lives, maybe we can withstand the blows. Maybe that’s why we buy so much useless junk. Pile it all around us and it will be our shield against change and death. There must be some purpose to commercialism. So it makes sense that minimalism scares the beejesus out of us because we’ll be stripped to nothing.
Ailson De Moraes says
And in the end all will be left behind! All junks!
Leave a legacy behind and you will be contributing to the human society
Laura Kelly says
Thank you for such an insightful post! Great reminders for us all. I have had several such experiences in my life and over the years I have had to work on finding the balance between living in the present moment since the future is not guaranteed, and not living a life of fear based on what may happen in the future.
I hope you enjoyed Colorado! Colorado is the place I call home :)
Lisa says
This moved me to share this article and my experience on my Facebook page. It explains to me why I live my life the way I do. My Father died in a car accident in 1964. I was six months old, my Mom was two months pregnant and she had 6 other kids. It taught me to NEVER take anything for granted.
I “plan” trips only a few weeks in advance, even going overseas. I know people think I’m adventurous, but that’s not it….I just want to see and experience it all just in case it ends abruptly. I speak my mind (maybe to the annoyance of others), so there is never a doubt of what I feel or my intentions. Honestly it has cost me relationships because I think most people are uncomfortable in living this way. I realize that is their issue and not mine. So, off I go to explore Puerto Rico this weekend, need to book my flight! :)
Great article and thanks!
Ailson De Moraes says
Very good words!
Ally says
What a lovely post, Joshua. Nothing in it was seemingly “new” or something I haven’t heard or read or thought about myself, and yet I found myself feeling very moved and inspired. Thank you.