Mixed Fruit
By
Rick DiGiammarino
While often as parents we want our children to grow and become well rounded people. We try to teach them from right and wrong. We try to make decisions for them so they will have an easier time in life. Most of the time they don’t listen and that’s ok. All we can do is try. But what do we teach ourselves? What have we learned about life over the years. When are we fully grown? We often ask ourselves what is the meaning of life. Does anyone really know? James Taylor seems to think the meaning of life is enjoying the passage of time. But how do you enjoy the passage of time and what does this mean?
To everyone it’s something different. But what it is to me, I can only share. Growing up I wanted everything. I wanted a car, a guitar, the loudest amplifier I could find, etc…All I thought about was what’s in it for me and why can’t I have everything I want. Then I got older and as time went by, I found what the meaning of life truly is. My meaning of life isn’t the same for everyone. Everyone has their own perception of what life is all about but for me the meaning of life is being able to share a smile with someone. It’s helping other’s out more than helping myself. It doesn’t matter that I want things. I have plenty of things. It’s just stuff. I can’t take all my stuff with me when I’m gone. But I can take the fact that I tried my hardest to help people. Whether it be helping some old lady up off the floor or making a little girl smile after she has fallen down. It doesn’t matter what I’ve done as long as I’m helping. That’s what life is to me.
Today a mother came by with her 2 year old daughter to show her the fire truck. I just happen to be outside. We had just gotten back from buying dinner that we were going to cook and I had a tray of mixed fruit. This little girl was so cute. You just wanted to hug her so death. So I played with her for a little while and then offered her a piece of fruit (with mom’s permission that is). This little girl jumped right in and at the first bite she smiled. I was now her best friend. Now, keep in mind that this fruit cost me $6 and I love fruit. Before you new it half the tray was gone and there wasn’t enough for myself or the other 2 firefighters that were upstairs cooking dinner. But this little girl with a smile to kill was so happy that I was playing with her and sharing, I couldn’t resist. Finally I looked at the tray and gave the whole thing to her. Mom was very grateful.
My point in telling you about this little girl is even the littlest thing can make someone happy. No one said you have to do something really extra ordinary to help someone. You don’t have to jump into a burning building or jump through hoops to make someone happy. All you need to do is show a little bit of passion. Remember, it’s not always about you. It doesn’t have to be hard. Learn to live without because you can’t take it with you.
Peace and love always,
Rick
