Being Alive and not Taking it for Granted

Written Dec. 7, 2010                        

I have a friend who, upon hearing the news of a death, will often say "Enjoy every sandwich."  I believe the quote is attributable to the late, great Warren Zevon. I love Mr. Zevon's way of suggesting we not take life, or anything about it -- even a sandwich -- for granted. I am thinking about this quote because in the past few weeks, and as recently as a couple of days ago, I have heard that two people I've known have passed away. One of these deaths was completely unexpected, and both of these people died far too young. Both were in their 40s and in seemingly good health, until one was found dead in his home, and the other succumbed rather quickly to a recently diagnosed brain tumor.
Although they did not know each other, they shared some important qualities. Both were fun to be around, full of life, and very gifted. I was introduced to each by mutual friends and I had the pleasure of getting to know them better when I worked for them in their homes. Today I am thinking about these two with more than a twinge of sadness, and a bit of regret that we had not stayed in touch. I am also thinking about death, which I must admit, has always frightened me. I have never been completely comfortable with the idea of death, the finality of it, or with the sadness that comes with loss. Considering my claim that impermanence is the centerpiece of my belief system, I seem to have a difficult time wrapping my head and my heart around grief and loss.
So, there's the obvious lesson here: to not take a single day for granted; to enjoy every sandwich because it may be the last. But maybe, hopefully, I can also learn something more from these two friends. Perhaps I can try and live my own life a little more in keeping with how they lived theirs: to enjoy life with all its joys and its sorrows, to not waste whatever gifts I've been given, and to share those gifts generously. They both set marvelous examples of how to live life, and I am sad and very sorry they are gone. I am also grateful that I knew them both. I will end this with another quote, this one from Emily Dickinson. "That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet."