Today’s post was originally published on my Facebook page a few years ago. As painful as it is to read the post, there are some lessons I like to keep reminding myself of as part of commemorating my friend…
I recently lost somebody who was a friend and business partner. His passing on was sudden. It was like experiencing the effects of death for the first time. It felt surreal. Still feels surreal.
Death is a strange thing; despite knowing that it is a part of life, one cannot prepare for it. When others are in mourning, I never think it will happen to me or someone close to me anytime soon. One of those things you hope should not happen to you.
My friend was younger than me but he achieved so much. He left a legacy that many people only dream of. He made such a positive impact in the lives of his community. This was evident at his funeral.
Life is fragile – I have always known that. However, the death of a loved one or a friend is always a reminder. A reminder of how in a moment, our lives could be no more. Within a split second, everything you own could mean nothing to you – except those left behind.
As I reflect on the fragility of life, I have thought about several things. What matters after I die? Should I even think about what happens when my life is no more? What is my purpose in this world?
I believe that true wealth is defined by the relationships we have – our family, friends and colleagues. These people get affected the most when we pass on. The material possessions do not matter when a person dies. The impact on the lives of people does matter.
There is a well known belief that we should live for the moment. Apparently life is too short. I personally feel that since we do not live in a vacuum, it is worth thinking about what happens after we die. Living for the moment is all well and good but can be detrimental if we don’t take care of the affairs of those we live behind. Having a will, for example, is a great way of doing something about what happens once we pass on.
At the moment of conception, a fetus beats the odds of hundreds of millions to one. Even winning the lottery cannot beat such odds. Birth is not an accident. I believe there is a purpose for being alive. Each of us has a unique way of making a difference in this world. Hopefully a good difference. When I die someday, do I want to be known as the richest person in the world? How about the most helpful person in the world? The richest and most helpful? Maybe the most cheerful human being? We each get to choose what we will be known for – after we die – even when we are not aware of it. Every action we take until the day we leave this earth determines our legacy. Let us make the most of the gift of life.
I will miss my dear friend. He has left me heartbroken but also inspired by the amazing impact he had on people’s lives. May his soul rest in peace.