So. You read my mail, right? Jeeze.
I lost my sister last Saturday. Her long brutal battle with cancer came to it's inevitable conclusion. As recently as two weeks ago she just wanted to go home. If there is justice in this world, I think she has. Gone home.
That's not where I'm headed with this today. I'm going to kick my 20 year old self's ass for a bit.
"Worry a hell of a lot more about the people you meet and a lot less about the stuff you acquire."
"Go for it. Let some body else tell you that you aren't good enough. That decision is way over your pay grade."
"Ride more, work less" or "Fish more, work less" or "Love more, work less". I'll sweet ass guarantee you that at 70 years of age I'll not say "Damn. I wish I'd have worked more."
"Don't give up on people. You will never ever know who can save your sorry ass until it's done."
I suppose the rules said 'one thing you'd say to your 20 year old self'. I'm a dumb ass old person and bend the rules to suit me. Sue me.
Oh yeah. I'd have told my sister that I loved her. But I did that anyway so it doesn't count.
Haven't seen you for a minute. Sorry it's under these circumstances. I'd like you to drop everything you're doing and insert:
The cheeriest sentence you've read all week—Tada!
Thanks for the part about don't count'em out. Really. I've always preached second chances and how I love giving second chances. I can do more.
👊🏼
As he cheerfully inserts
No sane person would have believed that might happen 6 months ago.
I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I know she had some challenges. Condolences.
I like your first advice a lot Tom. Such excellent advice we should all have heard and heeded at 20 I think.
They're all good though, well thought out and wise. That's what experiencing a life well-lived can do...Bring wisdom.
Again, sorry about your sister.
Thank you. I'm trying to write a post (I seem to remember how) to talk about Karen. It's a thing I need to do-talk about her. And you all are my current audience, for better or worse.
Thanks also for calling my life well lived. "Good times, bad times. You know I've had my share." It's been a pretty good life all in all. I don't have many regrets.
Write the post mate. Pour it out. It will be well-received.
Oh dear Sir Tom 🥺 so sorry about your sister, I believe you are a strong man so keep it up for us here and your family over there... May her soul rest in perfect peace.
Now, I wish I was 20 by now so I'll take those advice you want to tell your 20 years self... They are worth emulating and becoming better.
Even at that, you've become who you are now and that is all that matters, right?
Thank you.
You are right, of course. I've been shaped by the journey and all the things on it.
That's great to hear sir
It's sad, it's not easy to understand this kind of pain of losing someone. I hope you're better now.
Yes, let those people and focus on what you want to do. It's your life and they don't know the hardships you've been through.
Oh my, I'm so sorry for your loss, @bigtom13. What a sorrowful time. Your sister is at rest. I'm glad you got to tell her how much you love her. May she rest in peace, and may you be comforted by her memory.
Older you get I think the more you realize many go before you, many with big "C" too, and there is nothing we can do about it.
Work more, sounds like you balanced it all out OK! At 20 you still baulk the system, questioning, stubborn or hard headed to really know what you want, so keep fishing, riding and loving that you can do into old age.
Sorry to hear about your sister, cannot believe my oldest brother hit the road three years ago already!