Some Things You Can’t Change
At the start of this holiday weekend, the mother of one of my bestfriends from high school was rushed to the hospital because her liver and kidney had shutdown from years of severe alcohol abuse. The prognosis was unfortunately sad and grim. She was given just one week to live.
The news surprised me because for starters I never knew that his mother was an alcoholic. Not that I should have known, certainly we all have aspects of our lives that we keep private. But now sitting here my mind can only grasp at thoughts of he and his family coping with this tragedy.
As is often the case when tragedy strikes someone else, we tend to reflect on our own life, and take from it our own place or understanding of how we fit into the world.
For me, I spent the better part of the weekend wondering what I would do if I was given just one week to live. I’d spend a day riding my bicycle through Sonoma Valley. Eat a large dinner overlooking the vineyards. I’d run along the beach. Take surfing lessons. Swim in the ocean with my dog. Go to the movies with my mother. Eat McDonald’s French fries. Have a big family dinner at an Italian restaurant where we could be as loud as we wanted. Say goodbye to all my friends.
But that’s the unfortunate part about being given a week to live. By the time you’re given the prognosis, you’re too weak to do anything. There is no dream ending.
Which is why today on Memorial Day it’s important to think of all the soldiers who not only died for this country but are currently fighting for it, because everyday that they’re out there, they know that this day may be their last, and it’s a shame that they don’t get to live like it.
And to my friend Scott, hang in there, I’m always there if you need me.
-dylan
