One day I had a date for lunch with old friends. One of these old friends was Marie, a woman about 70 years old. When the menus were presented, some of us ordered salads, some sandwiches and some soups. Marie said, "I will have two scoops of ice cream, please, chocolate."
Everyone looked at each other and then at Marie. Unfazed by all the attention, she continued with her order. "With that ice cream, bring a slice of apple pie, heated, please." We all acted nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. We were cool, right? When our lunch was served, all eyes were on Marie's selection. Being the well-mannered women we are, we did not say anything to Marie about her diet.
A few days later, I called and invited Marie to lunch. After I ordered a salad with dressing on the side, my mouth dropped open when Marie ordered a parfait, with whipped cream. I smiled at Marie and she asked if she amused me. I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. Why do you order rich desserts instead of a sensible meal?"
Marie giggled and said,"I try to eat the food my body requires and keep fit by walking. But, life is so short, my friend, that I do not want to miss anything." She continued, "This year I realized how old I am--I have never been this old before."
"So, before I die, I am going to try the things that I have wanted to do for years! I want to see the tulips in Holland, swim in the spring-fed pool, read all the classics, see a NASCAR race, attend a rodeo, see all the volcanoes in Hawaii, laugh at all the jokes, shop all the outlet malls and go backstage at a Willie Nelson concert."
Marie spoke of missed Broadway shows, phone calls not returned, letters not mailed, church services missed and comfort calls not made. She wants to walk in the rain and fall in love again. She hopes to sit in an old country church and thank God for His Grace.
If she chooses to have dessert instead of dinner, then should she die before morning, she would die a winner, to her way of thinking. "I would have filled my heart's desire by eating that final sweet before my life expired."
I called the waitress over. "I have changed my mind, I want what she is having only add some fudge sauce, whipped cream and a cherry on top!"
Be good to yourself, Take more chances, Laugh more often and May you die with chocolate on your lips.
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