Copyright © 2010 by Kathryn Buck

Wednesday 2 June 2010

Putting things in perspective

Sometimes it's easy to become a bit self absorbed... especially when you write a blog and pretty much all you talk about is me, me, me. It gets to the point when pretty much all you think about is me, me, me too.

I was upset today because I saw a house for sale at the weekend. It was a great price in the most amazing area. It was two little cottages converted into one big one. It was in the middle of the country side, surrounded by nothing but fields. And silence, all but the birds tweetering. It was perfect. I was in love. So much so, I had already moved my stuff in, decorated, done the garden, grown a lovely pink climbing rose up the back wall, set up my studio and got a couple of chickens. I rang to make an appointment to arrange a viewing this morning and found out that someone had already bought it. I was so disappointed.

Later in the day, I heard something that totally put my little self enclosed world into perspective. A friends son is going through a really sad time. He has just found out that one of his oldest and closest friends has a terminal illness after fighting hard for a long time. He is just sixteen. I just can't imagine how he must be feeling. At sixteen, you deal with the death of old people, your grandparents or an old neighbour. No one should have to deal with the loss of a friend at that age. He is so brave, he has not been frightened away by his friends illness, he has stuck around to support him and be there for him and I think that is really commendable. His Mum must be so proud of him for his maturity and selflessness in this situation.

It is heart breaking, it truly is.

It made me realise how silly and material our lives can be at times when really, the only thing that matters is that we are healthy and happy. All the other things, they're nice, but we can live without them. Who cares about the little house in the country? I'm healthy, my family is healthy and actually, I have a really good life, I don't need anything else.

I can only pray for this boy and his family and hope that his final days are spent surrounded by the people who love him and that he can at least enjoy some happy moments at home with his family and friends.

I really believe that we all need to make the most of our lives, don't waste a single second. If you want to do something, just do it, never make excuses. Live your life for those who don't get chance, do the things that they would have loved to do with you and remember them while you do it.

Dance like nobody's watching
love like you've never been hurt
 Sing like nobody's listening
 live like it's heaven on earth


Mark Twain

We have all been touched by cancer at some point in our lives, please remember your loved one by donating to cancer research today.

5 comments:

  1. Very sweet post. I love the Dance song. One of my favorites. I danced at my son's wedding with him to this song.
    Yes, we need to live each moment and be so thankful for the blessings we have.
    P.S. Maybe the sale will follow through, did I just say that, oh my.

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  2. Hi - what a great reminder...you're so right... It really does put things in perspective ...I will be donating some money, thinking of the boy and the family you mention - my son is sixteen and we've been spending so much time arguing recently over exam revision stuff...your post has given me some much needed perspective - thank you - xxx

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  3. Well, you put it all in perspective for me too. I thank you for that.
    Brenda

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  4. I am so sorry to read about what your friend's son and especially what his friend are going through. I often think about suffering; without it could we know true joy? I am thankful that it makes us stop and appreciate how blessed we are.

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