Went with mom to visit an aunt at an old folks nursery centre. She's still healthy for an 80-plus-year-old, except for a failing memory. She could still recognize my mom. Not sure who she thinks I am though, whom she kept referring to as "this kid who has really grown much taller". Flattering remark really, considering how I have stopped growing vertically 20 years ago!
When we got home this evening, mom received a call from JB. Uncle #3, who turned 60 early this year but has been fighting cancer, has been warded again. This time it doesn't look good. The doctor has given the advice everyone expected but didn't want to hear - they can't give him anymore treatment, just be prepared.
All these suddenly hit me with a moment of sobriety. Life is too short. It doesn't matter if you live to 30 or 100, there will never be enough time to fulfill all your desires or live out your dreams, to undo all your regrets or atone for lost time and opportunity. Life will always be a constant struggle, a never-ending series of hills and valleys. Just when you think you have reached the top and conquered a hill, down you go again to climb the next.
Maybe life isn't about fighting one monumental roller coaster ride, but about keeping a tally of how many you went through and survive.
I wonder how many more lies ahead of mine.
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