Now - by an 83 year old
This was written by an 83 year old woman to her friend.   (thank you, Ursula)


I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and
admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden.
I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor,
not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish
them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good China and crystal for
every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink
unstopped,or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look
prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries.
I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it
for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary.
If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do
it
now.
I'm not sure what others would've done had they known that they
wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted.
I think they would have called family members and a few close friends.
They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend
fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out
for a Chinese dinner, or for whatever their favorite food was.
I'm guessing; I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if  I
knew my hours were limited.
Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to
write one of these days.
Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often
enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put
off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster
to our lives.
And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special.
Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.
I don't believe in miracles... I rely on them.