I’ve been carrying this around since yesterday and I wasn’t sure if I was going to write about it, but if it affected me then maybe it will affect you, so here goes.
There’s a guy named David who you probably know, but probably also don’t know. He’s been part of our community for at least the last seven years. You sometimes see him in the comments. He encourages me on Facebook. He’s always smiling. I never spent any real time with him but I knew him well online and as part of this amazing community.
Sunday he told his online friends that he’d been diagnosed with cancer and that he wouldn’t survive it. He said it in a Facebook post that was alternately horrible and inspiring and he ended it with this:
“Much love to you all, and thank you for your friendship. Above all, don’t take tomorrow for granted. Live today as if it counts, because it truly does.
Enjoy every sandwich.”
And then, yesterday, he was gone.
He’d be mad if he knew that his passing caused sadness because he was all about joy and laughter, so I’m passing his words on to you only if you use them for good.
Whether you knew him or not, listen to his words. Enjoy life. Laugh. Play with dogs. Do silly things. Be great. Be you. Do something for yourself. Do something for others. Walk barefoot in the grass or build a snowman or read a book or adopt something wonderful into your life.
Go right now and make a decision to do something fun or silly or glorious that you hadn’t planned until you read this, because it’s the best way to honor the passing of those we love who want us to be happy, and also the best way to honor the life we’ve been given.
Enjoy. Every. Sandwich.
Amen.
PS. Today I had a german brisket hoagie covered with fried pickles. And I made myself enjoy every bite. It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.
Thank you, David.
And thank you for your friendship.