To all my friends

[Patrick]

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.



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!


 

[cookiedough]

I think you can splurdge and divulge in goodies now and again, but all in moderation.  Good advice, maybe I need to follow it some more - read on:

I know at night when I get home from work I have my usual wine cooler and bag of chips for comfort, but then I realize that BIG full bag of chips is over 1/2 gone in one sitting and know it will catch up to me down the road (and is starting to now).  If I just put some chips on a plate/bowl and when gone, gone, can't have anymore, is a better route.  Now the beverage of choice, well, that is a different story. 

[grandpaweaver]

Like his thinking and happy friends day.

[czuch]

This is my only life. I may not get another one and I dont want to screw it up badly.
Good choices, bad choices, do-overs what ever, Its only one time around.
I'll see your whipped cream, and raise you walnuts. And more chocolate fudge, and some cherries.

[Jess Tolbirt]

and put it all on blue bell ice cream

[wiggydotcom]

Well said, Patrick!

[BF]

Life is short.  Eat dessert first.

[Oss]

Bonnie brought home chocolate. Cream pie last evening
half still left. 
woman is a keeper

[Master Blaster]

and put it all on blue bell ice cream

Ummmmmm, Black Walnut Blue Bell, think I will go dip some up right now.

[Patrick]

and put it all on blue bell ice cream

Ummmmmm, Black Walnut Blue Bell, think I will go dip some up right now.

Ohhh, Blue Bell. This must a southern thing. As yankee's we've not seen this way up here. We would not have thought of buying it during the winter, except for our friends. It's their favorite, its now our favorite.

[Willow]

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

There are some things that sound really good until you put them into practice.  It seems to me I am a little in the former group but matching the requirements of the latter.

The correct and most rewarding path in life is not so much deciding to do what you want to do as it is learning to want to do what is best for you to do.

[Tailgate Tommy]

and put it all on blue bell ice cream

Ummmmmm, Black Walnut Blue Bell, think I will go dip some up right now.

Love the Blue Bell!




Ohhh, Blue Bell. This must a southern thing. As yankee's we've not seen this way up here. We would not have thought of buying it during the winter, except for our friends. It's their favorite, its now our favorite.

[oldslacker]

And don't forget to ride !!! Life is to short to say I'll go there someday , someday may never get here !!!

[Robert]

The correct and most rewarding path in life is not so much deciding to do what you want to do as it is learning to want to do what is best for you to do.

Really well said, right to the point.