The Editor,
As a paramedic, I have seen life, I have seen death and everything in between.
Lately, I have been looking at the obituaries. I wonder, "Why am I looking?" Is it because I am closer to death than I was in my 20s or is it because I am looking for friends in the past who have passed away?
Recently, two friends have been told that they will experience life-altering changes. One, in his early 40s, has MS and doctors have advised him there is a growing mass in his brain. The other, in his 50s, has been advised that he has cardiac issues. Both are close to the finish line of retirement, yet so far away.
I know life is not fair. It is fragile. It has no guarantees.
And now, the RRSP season has begun, and financial advisors and governments are telling us to save our money for our future. For some, there might not be a future because of some unfortunate or life-changing circumstances.
So where is that balance between saving for the future and living life? I don't have the answer but I can tell you I have listened to patients who have told me between their medical treatments about their regrets in life, some wishing they had done this or done that. Never have I been told, "I wish I had worked a little bit more."
All I can say is this: Save a little or a lot, enjoy life and enjoy those special moments each day.
There is an old saying, "Whoever dies with the most toys, wins." I would change it to: "Whoever has the most memorable life experiences wins the treasures of living."
I may not die as a rich man in the economic sense but I will die as a rich man for the experiences I have lived.
Which would you prefer?
Bob Lee,Port Coquitlam
