Steve
Steve had a headstone in his backyard. When I asked about it, he said, "no one is buried here, it is there to remind me that life is short." He went on to explain that he decided he wanted a reminder of our imminent mortality and went in search of a gravestone. The stonecutters offered to make his stone, for a hefty price, but that was not what he wanted, he just wanted a reminder. He said, "the next time you make a mistake you can't fix, call me and I will buy the stone you are going to throw away." A month or so later the phone rang and the next afternoon Steve lugged home a marker with a misspelled name.
He said every time I pass it I am reminded that someday this life will end. When I am fussed (and Steve really knew how to throw a queen of the universe hissy fit) he would look out the back window and be reminded, this too shall pass. Life is too short to waste time and energy being upset.
About 15 years ago, Steve started having difficulty swallowing, the diagnosis was advanced cancer in his tongue and throat. He died quickly, and reportedly with no regrets, saying he had enjoyed the ride, and had a ton of fun along the way.
Steve, thanks for the reminder.
A wonderful lesson!
ReplyDeleteUpon getting back, a fellow neighbor knocked on my door came to tell me a good neighbor that I got close too and like a mother, that I hung out with, was found dead on her little patio. She passed in the night sitting outside where she loved. I was very shocked.
She was 57.
Must run now, another trip to ready for.
Take care,
Delete@maddie - my condolences, dear. a peaceful way to pass though; but far to young to go.
ReplyDeletesteve had an interesting idea, but I don't think I'd want to look at a monument every time I looked out the window.
I agree, remembering to have fun each day and not obsess over the unimportant I agree with.
DeleteHaving a memento mori in our lives is a wise idea, I think. But having said that, I don't have one.
ReplyDeleteThere are a couple of things that remind me of my parents on a daily basis, remind me you can’t take it with you.
DeleteThat's a nice little tale. How good can it be to have a ton of fun, and I expect most of us have.
ReplyDeleteI’d sooner die laughing, than drowned in tears.
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