Today I was speaking with the assistant to our financial advisor (yes, we actually have one!), and she told me her office has been busy mostly because a number of older clients have passed on, requiring the office staff to handle a lot of details for these clients' estates.
"Wow," I said somewhat grimly. "One of these days you'll be doing that for my estate." Not there will be much of one.
"Now, Bob," she replied. "You've got a lot of living to do."
The woman's name is Cully. I've known her in this role for about 15 years -- time that seems to have flown by in a blink. She's about as nice, and about as efficient, as any human being can possibly be. But her comment prompted me to pause.
"Yes," I thought, "I do have a lot of living to do."
Just prior to that conversation I saw a touching tribute on Facebook by my stepson, Matt, to his wife, Jacquie, who is my wife's daughter. Matt noted that it was a week today since Jacquie's birthday, and he just wanted to express some thoughts about her.
The primary point that Matt made was about Jacquie's kindness and how she has dedicated her life to helping others, always thinking of everyone else other than herself.
How true. That's exactly how she is. Always looking out for her family, her friends, people who need help, people who are troubled. Always, it seems, before taking care of her own needs. That thought brought me to Cully's closing comment in our telephone call today.
"You know, my boyfriend and I have a toast that we always share,"she said. "I will share it with you, and feel free to use it if you like."
Their toast: "May the rest of our lives be the best of our lives."
So today I share that thought with all of you -- and especially to Jacquie. May the rest of your life be the best of your life.