As a baby, I had no teeth and soiled my diapers. Now I feel I’ve come full circle: I spend thousands of dollars at the dentist trying to keep my teeth, and the bathroom has become my favorite place.
In the interim I had a child, was gainfully employed and thought I’d make a difference in the world. Now I’ve come to realize that anything I did or plan to do is a temporary situation and this too shall pass, as will I. It saddens me to realize I’m just a blip in the world’s history, just a small wave in a huge ocean and someone to be a fleeting memory in years to come.
So, what can I do to make a difference? What can I do so my life has meaning? I’ve decided that nothing I can do will stop the world from turning but I can leave a legacy of kindness. I can reach out a helping hand. When there is a time that someone needs to step forward and help, if you can, let it be you. Your grandchildren will quote you and remember you. A baby will be named for you and the parents will tell them why they have been given this honor. That’s all we can hope for in this Fall of our lives. Just do your best and wish love and happiness to the generations that follow. That’s the way of the world. Even the richest person on earth must understand and accept this destiny.
Nothing will stop the tide from coming in or the sun coming up in our temporary years on this earth. Some will be fortunate to have more years than others, but longevity is written in the stars. So, use your time wisely and along the way smile and put a smile on someone else’s face. That personal journey will make your life precious and worthwhile. Make every day you have count, and do it quickly, now will soon disappear. Hurry, the minutes are ticking away.
Judith Levy is the New York Times best-selling author of GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, which has sold over four million copies to date. Her newest offering, the beautifully illustrated GREAT-GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, a perfect gift, is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
