We were enjoying a lovely Friday night dinner. I had finished my mushroom barley soup, one of my favorites, and was making my way through the main course when I took a gulp of water. Suddenly, it went down the wrong pipe, and I began to choke. This had happened before, and usually a cough or two was enough to set things right—but not this time. I couldn’t catch my breath. I was choking loudly, my eyes were tearing, and for a moment I thought I was dying. Yet the people at my table kept talking as if nothing unusual was happening. I couldn’t believe they continued their conversation while I struggled. They never noticed. When I finally caught my breath, I realized that the world would go on without me; in fact, it wouldn’t miss a beat—or me.
The knowledge saddened me. I’d like to think that at least for a moment my absence would be meaningful, but truly neither yours nor mine will stop the world from turning on its axis. So, I’ve come to the conclusion that I should do whatever I want to do, eat that dessert I’ve been denying myself and just live every day as though it could be my last.
I remember a game we used to play in school. In a circle many chairs were placed. The music began and while the music played, we walked around the chairs. When the music stopped, we quickly sat down. Alas, there weren’t enough chairs for everyone and one child was out. Then the music began again and the situation repeated. Always one chair too few. That’s the way life is. One day, there won’t be a chair for you. So, take the time to embrace life’s symphony and care less when the music stops. Enjoy every day you have on life’s merry-go-round, meanwhile hurry up and grab a chair. Judith Levy is the New York Times best-selling author of GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, which has sold four million copies to date. Her latest offering, GREAT-GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, a wonderful gift, is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It’s bound to be another best-seller.
