I'm not 80 yet, but.....

I received this email twice this evening, just a few minutes apart...I thought it was so lovely and just wanted to share it with you..xxx


One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a tall, baldinggolfer type about 80 years old, came along with them---all inall, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches,and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Twoscoops,
chocolate. I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast."Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed. We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all thetime.. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoymine. I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down.The other guys couldn't believe it. They ate their lunchessilently and grinned. The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. Ilunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.I smiled. He asked if he amused meI answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must besensible? He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is Possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. Butlife's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on
somethinggood. This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven't beenthis old before.""So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for yearsIhad ignored.I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many troutstreams I haven't fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolfdown and kites to be flown overhead. There are too many golf courses I haven't played. I've notlaughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting eventsand potato chips and cokes. I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face.Iwant to sit in a country church once more and thank God for Hisgrace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. Iwant un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most. I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morningrain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in
loveagain. So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, thenshould I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, becauseI missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had thatfinal chocolate mousse before my life expired.." With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind,"I said. "I want what he is having, only add some more whippedcream!" This is my gift to you - We need an annual Friends Day! If youget this twice, then you have more than one friend. Live well,love much & laugh often - Be happy. SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS including me if I'm lucky enoughtobe counted among them. Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, orprestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect.Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!