Life is Short, Eat Dessert!

One day I had a date for lunch with friends. Mae, a little old ‘blue hair’ about 80 years old, came along with them—all in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, ‘Ice Cream, please.

Two scoops, chocolate.’

I wasn’t sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. ‘Along with heated apple pie,’ Mae added, completely unabashed. We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn’t enjoy mine. I couldn’t take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down. The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae. I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait. I smiled.. She asked if she amused me. I answered, ‘Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?

She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, ‘I’m tasting  all  that’s  possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life’s so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was (she grinned). I haven’t been this old before.’

‘So, before I die, I’ve got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven’t smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many books I haven’t read. There’s more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. There are many malls I haven’t shopped. I’ve not laughed at all the jokes. I’ve missed a lot of Broadway hits and

potato chips and cokes.  

I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most. I haven’t cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind in my hair. I want to fall in love again. So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I’d say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart’s desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life  expired.’

With that, I called the waitress over.. ‘I’ve changed my mind,’ I said. ‘I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!’   ;

This is my gift to you – We need an annual Friends Day! If  you get this twice, then you have more than one friend.. Live well, love much & laugh often – Be happy.  

SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

Be mindful that happiness isn’t based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we love and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE SINGS!  

Read Full Post »

I’ve Come to Realize….

That I am not perfect, nor will I ever be

That no one is perfect, nor will ever be

That my house might always be just a little bit messy

That I will never be as skinny or pretty as I want to be

That my husband might always be disappointed in my budgeting skills

That trying to live within your means sometimes hurts just a little bit

That my main role model growing up is most likely to blame for my lack of budgeting skills

That my husband may never be ready to have a baby

That growing old isn’t as cool as you thought it was when you were a kid

That time flies by before you realize that you never took the time to cherish things

That my memories of my childhood seem to have faded

That the people who once made you happy can also make you sad

That obstacles in our life come and go, but friends and family help you through it

That one day our parents may come to rely on us to take care of them

That life threatening disease is scarey and real

That if I don’t take care of my body now, I may be in big trouble when I’m 80

That one day I will lose people that I care about and it will hurt A LOT

That the uncertainty of the future is overwhelming at times

That someday I may be left alone

Read Full Post »