If Not Now, When?

Last week, on my way to a doctor’s appointment, a man in the elevator said, “Hi, Alan.”

Even though I didn’t recognize him, I said “Hi” back, followed by, “How are you doing?”

“Not too bad. I’m on my way to see my surgeon. You?”

“Same.”

“You’re going to get better,” he said, then repeated, “You’re going to get better.”

“I hope so.”

He looked pale, and I knew he was reassuring himself as well as me. But reassurance is, well, reassuring – in any form.

We both were headed to the same doctors’ office on the eighth floor – a spinal surgery group. After he had been called into see his doctor I asked my wife, “Was that Ed?”

“I think so,” she said. “But I’m not sure. He looks a lot older than he did last time we saw him.”

“I agree. I hope I look better than he does.”

“You do. Definitely.” More reassurance (even if I asked for it). We hadn’t seen Ed for many years. He was an outstanding trial attorney who had helped me negotiate a large settlement in a lawsuit I filed many years ago.

Ed was finished with his appointment before I was called in. On his way out he said to me, “I’m going to start enjoying my money.”

We parted with smiles – both of us were in a similar medical and financial situation.
This is the best and most recent lesson reminding me to seize each day, and I’m passing it on to you.

Enjoy yourself. If not now – today – then when?

Alan