Althea Steer, Contributor
STEER
I HAVE LONG put off writing this article but am now motivated to write as someone has just mistakenly walked off with my pen.
Few of my friends know of my love for pens -- that is, any pen that is more than the ordinary. My friend Beryl will confirm my willingness to beg, borrow and take (not steal) any pen that looks different from the common ones. I would hoard the pens and therein was a difficulty. I kept losing my pens. I used to cherish my more-than-the-ordinary-looking pens so much that I would hardly use them. I abandoned that habit when I realised that I would "save" my pens only to be deprived of their use when someone accidentally walked off with them or when I left them somewhere.
THE LESSONS I LEARNT
The lesson I learnt from my experience with pens was magnified a million times last October 19 when the only entry in my journal was, "What would I do if I knew I was going to die tomorrow?"
The very next day my classmates and I were sent into shock when we heard that one of our classmates had been gunned down.
I was not necessarily his closest friend, but there had been days when my classmate made me and others feel special just by his interaction with us. He provided comic relief when the pressure of school left us with little to laugh about. Unfortunately, as with many other things and persons, I only noted his value after he was gone.
ENJOY EVERYDAY LIFE
My classmate's death emphasised the importance of valuing and enjoying everyday life. Many among us, due to life's daily challenges, fail to appreciate the gift of life that we are given each day. We take for granted those around us and even discount our own lives as we fear death by the gun, traffic accident, natural causes or some other means.
I implore you, as I have learnt, to quit saving the joy and laughter for a better day. Live life to the fullest - today - as if this were your last day on earth. Treat each friend, acquaintance and family member as if this were their last day with you. Most importantly, live as if today you will stand face to face with your Creator. Live every day, one day at a time.
Got something on your mind? Don't stew over it, get it off your chest by sending your thoughts and comments to Flair, The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston; email lifestyle@gleanerjm.com; fax 922-6223 or 948-1804.
