Live To Learn and you will Learn To Live

I recently had a conversation at work with a colleague of mine. Under the guise of anonymity, he divulged to me a few things about his life. First let me say this, however; the man never stops smiling, laughing, or just having fun in general. In fact, if you catch him at any given moment and ask him how he is doing, his response 99 percent of the time will be "Solubrious!"(which, by the way, means 'happy, gay, joyful, ecstatic, etc). He recently found out that he had a tumor in his right leg. He has been undergoing radiation treatment for several months and just recently ceased those treatments. He was on the road to recovery when his leg became infected and he now must enter chemotherapy to treat the tumor. He leaves tomorrow for Pittsburgh. When I told him that I hope he makes it back soon and hoped for a quick recovery, his response was "Ahh I'll be fine. I hope there's pretty nurses there to take care of me!" We shared a laugh, but I will never forget this moment. He has lost 2 of his 3 daughters to cancer. For all intents and purposes, he should be miserable. On the contrary, however, he is happier then anyone in our office. The whole time we talked about his upcoming therapy, he was smiling and joking. He never lets anything get in his way. He feels life is too short to worry about regret; to muddle over mistakes; to waste away life not living. His life is a great example of how someone who has had so much personal anguish can live their life. Live happy. Smile everyday. Laugh often. His story has reminded me of how I take many things in my life for granted; great friends, family, a wonderful girfriend, and good health. We should never take these things for granted. Live life to the fullest; with a smile on your face the whole way. LIVESTRONG.