FRAGILITY

CARPE DIEM

If I had to live my life over again,

I’d try to make more mistakes next time.

I would relax, I would limber up,

I would be sillier than I have been this trip.

I know of very few things I would take seriously.

I would take more trips. I would be crazier.

I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers,

and watch more sunsets.

I would do more walking and looking.

I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would have more actual troubles

and fewer imaginary ones.

I’ve been one of those people who

never go anywhere without a thermometer,

a hot-water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat,

aspirin, and a parachute.

If I had to do it over again, I’d go places,

do things and travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over,

I would start barefooted earlier in the spring

and stay that way later in the fall.

I would play hooky more.

I wouldn’t make such good grades,

except by accident.

I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.

I’d pick more daisies.

I’d wear more purple.

~ Unknown

STORY BEHIND THIS POEM

My 16 year old nephew, Brandon, was at a BBQ at his coaches house. It was a kick off party for the baseball season. Unforseen to Brandon, his team would later dedicate the season to him in their honor. He didn’t know that his life would soon flash before him. After the party, The kids got into their cars and headed down Bridgeport Way. Time stood still for Brandon, He only remembers sketchy details of the events, the rain soaked pavement, car hydrofoiled and caromed into two other cars. One head on.

His Mother receives a frantic call “your son has been in a horrible car accident. Come home now!” A mother who just drove 7 hours to Whistler, Canada to spend some down time with her sister, now having to immediately turn around and rush home to the hospital. You can imagine how awful the drive would be wondering if your child is dead or alive.

Police blocking off the street, Univeristy Place paramedics emerging onto the accident scene. Brandon’s car is totaled out he is alive but trapped in the car.

High school kids start a vigil around the accident scene, using cell pones and networking with other kids. News is spread quickly about the accident and soon there is a horde of kids praying,crying and waiting.

A father in grief, a thousand miles away in Arizona at Mariners spring training with Brandon’s young brother, Cody. A brother who idolizes his big brother and shares the passion for baseball. Clutching a baseball that was signed by the Mariners catcher, he tells his daddy that he will give this prized ball to his brother. The helplessness of not being able to immediately catch a plane home because of peak flying time for spring break. He waits and prays.

The Orthpedic surgeon placing a baseball into the palm of Brandon’s hand. A hand that just a few days before caught swirling baseballs into his catcher mit. Brandon is worried that he will never play ball again.

Everyone has proclaimed how lucky Brandon is to still be alive. He should have died in this accident. Was it the airbag, seatbelts, or a higher power that has kept him alive. I’m so thankful to have my nephew alive and well. He has no life threatening injuries and we are all praying that he will be able to participate in sports again. I pray he will come back even stronger. The scouts will be out next year and the year after and the year after. Brandon has been involved in sports since he was in 3 year old T-ball. He aspires to play baseball in college.

It amazes me to see and meet all the people who care about Brandon I never realized the popularity of my little nephew. Baseball coaches from other high schools calling, kids coming into visit by the droves, the phone was ringing off the hook. So many girls coming to visit him at the hospital, One girl with her head on his bed gazing into his eyes, while another one asking him to the prom.

Life is a precious gift. No one knows when their life will be snatched from them. Some get a second chance at life like my little nephew. It is important to live our lives as if it was our last day on earth. When I get up each morning, I must realize it could be my last time to step out of bed on to the floor. Each time I take a ride in my car, on my bike or on my snowboard it could be my last ride. Most people just don’t associate life with death, although, we come here dying a little each day. That sounds morbit but it’s true.