Five Seconds

Sure, more money would be swell and a couple of touch-ups to the rear façade would be welcome, but if you asked me, what I really need, I would say it's time. Time, and that tad bit of youthful energy, would make my life ever so much more enjoyable. But, I guess, I shouldn’t complain, because more important than time, money, energy (or that lifted bum) is health. Whenever I am about to forget that, I am sorrowfully reminded.

My friend has been doing admirably well with her treatment, but it has taken a toll on everyone in the family. Worries, pain, the change of routines and a complete overhaul of short-term plans and long-term aspirations are some of the gloomy companions of disease. I try to be more aware these days, aware and also humble. After all, what is a truck load of time worth if it’s delivered to you in a hospital bed?

I have been thinking about life quality lately. Apart from health, I have realized that the other important factor is a close network of family and friends. Having moved around a lot, there have been times when my relationships with those dear to me were put to a test. And I have, at times, envied others for the help and support they were able to count on from their families, while Matt and I had to steer our ship alone through the shifting seas. But throughout it all and over the years we counted our lucky stars as friendships prevailed and family ties were reinforced.

Now, let’s say you are through and through healthy and can count on a handful of die-hard fans and family that stand by you, including maybe a significant other, some well-adjusted kids and/or couple of cats, why is it still so hard to lean back with a smile for longer than five seconds at a time?

Because it is. That’s just how we are, how we’re wired. We are eternally geared towards wanting to climb that next step, reaching a new target and rounding yet another corner. It’s what keeps us all whirling and twirling day in and day out. And yet, what really counts are those five seconds of clarity...where life is good. In between it’s all a daze.