Dear friends....

[delta22]

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim , a short, balding golfer type 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 Jim 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," Jim 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 Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn't believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim . I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.

I smiled. He asked if he 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? He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is 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. (He 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 trout streams I haven't fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.

There are too many golf courses I haven't played. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events 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 on my face. I want to be 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 he 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 including me if I'm lucky enough to be counted among them.

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

[umbertino]

Thanks.

[ronny46]

Thanks Delta, and yes I understand and partially agree. Having survived a heart problem(triple byepass-2 100% blockages, 1 70% blockage, and another 60% that wasn't immediatelly repaired but recieved two stints one year later), I realize that foolish habits helped put me there. Yes, enjoy life, eat well but watch it. I want to also enjoy my ten grandchildren as long as possible and some things I would love to do would help reduce the time I have with them. There are some things in life worth much more that that extra bowl of ice cream.

[tandy]

Delta...good post...and the point seems to be enjoy the present as it passes on winged footsies....learn like you will live forever but live and love like you will die tomorrow...not a bad mantra....now lets prepare to enjoy the results of waiting, and waiting, and......

maybe we won't have to wait much longer...cheers

[kliklok00]

This is exactly why Willie Wonka is the happiest man on earth....

[krome2ez]

The purpose of life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave with a well-preserved body, but rather to Slide in Sideways, completely used up, yelling and screaming, what a ride! — Author Unknown

[eddiemac]

I believe I heard this quote in a commercial,( I wanna leave this life exhausted ) Great thought......