i must have read this a couple of times already.. but everytime i read it again.. it makes me feel a bit sad.. n regret some stuff i did in life.. i tink we shld all start reflectin.. happy reading..
A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear acrossthe country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life,Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stophim.Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. Thefuneral is Wednesday."Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days."Jack, did you hear me?""Oh sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It¡Çs been so long since I thought of him.I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said. "Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you weredoing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of thefence' as he put it," Mom told him."I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said. "You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sureyou had a man's influence in your life," she said."He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me thingshe thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no childrenof his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to seethe old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack pausedfor a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leapthrough space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture....Jack stoppedsuddenly."What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked."The box is gone," he said."What box?" Mom asked. "There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I musthave asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me wasthe thing I value most," Jack said. It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someonefrom the Belser family had taken it."Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better getsome sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."
It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from workone day¡¤ Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on apackage. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old andlooked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting wasdifficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read.Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There insidewas the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the noteinside. "Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life."A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling hiseyes,! Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautifulgold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etchedcasing, he unlatched the cover.Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! - HaroldBelser.""The thing he valued most...was...my time." Jack held the watch for a few minutes then called his office and clearedhis appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked."I need some time to spend with my son," he said. "Oh, by the way, Janet...thanks for your time!""Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the momentsthat take our breath away,"
Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you somuch that they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you insome way.
3. A smile from you can bring happiness toanyone, even if they don't like you.
4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you beforethey go to sleep.
5. You mean the world to someone.
6. If not for you, someone may not be living.
7. You are special and unique.
8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if youtrust God to do what's best, and wait on His time,sooner or later, you willget it or something better.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,something good can still come from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its backon you, take a look; you most likely turned yourback on the world.
11. Someone that you don't even know exists,loves you.
12. Always remember the compliments youreceived. Forget about the rude remarks.
13. Always tell someone how you feel about them;you will feel much better when they know and you'llboth be happy.
14. If you have a great friend, take the time tolet them know that they are great.
i blogged @
11:04 AM