Life Advice: A Lost Friend Speaks

When my friend sensed that in a few weeks the light11) (Meant for Women) Instead of waiting for the
of life was about to be extinguished, and that therepregnancy to get over, cherish each moment in your
was no more hope for him, he called me to his sideheart. Understand that the life in you is the only chance
and said, "If only I had lived my life differently, I mightyou will get to help god create magic.
not have felt such an emptiness now. Promise me," he12) Let your children hug and kiss you whenever they
caught my hand, "Promise me that you won't makewish to. Don't stop them by saying things like: later, go
the same mistake." And when I asked him whatwash your hands first, we have to eat dinner.
mistakes, he asked me to get a pen and paper and to13) Say the following two phrases as often as
jot down his last words. Here they are in condensedpossible: "I love you" and "I am sorry."
form:14) Stop worrying about who loves or and who
1) Talk less; listen more.doesn't or about what others have or don't have.
2) Listen to your grandfather's stories about his youth.15) Cherish all personal human relations.
When he's gone, you will relive the bond through these16) Play with a pet every day. Laugh and run with it
memories.and take part in all its antics.
3) Invite friend over for a snack or dinner even if the17) Spend more time with the people who love you.
house is a mess.18) Stop sweating because of all the small details and
4) Eat popcorn in the living room even though itsproblems of life.
messy.19) Grab every moment, look at it and live it. That
5) Invite the friends who have children home. Don'tmoment will never return again.
worry about their children creating a mess.Her name was Susan, and she had one six year old
6) Sit on the grass even though it dirties your pants.daughter. Susan taught me these few basic ideals that
7) Never buy something just because it lasts for a longI have tried to follow in honour of her memory. It has
time or because it is practical.made me a better man, a much nicer husband and in
8) Stay in bed and at home when sick and stopgeneral, a happier person. Even now I can hear her
pretending that the world cannot go one without mesay that God has blessed each and every one of us,
for a day.and that we should accept these blessings and strive
9) Light up the wonderfully crafted candles and letto become stronger both physically, mentally and also
them burn out. Better this than they accumulate dust inemotionally. I will always remember what she said to
the closet.me the last time we met: "Jack, you are lucky. Don't
10) Share life's responsibilities with a partner, not onlyblow it.
expenses.