Just like everybody on earth, I have been through some rough and tough times in my life. But, by far, the passing of my best friend on April 18th, 2019 was the hardest situation that I have ever been dealt.
And while I am not ready to delve into this subject yet, the circumstance made me learn an invaluable lesson. Truth be told, this lesson is something that we have likely all been taught. I’m just saying that I indeed learned it. I was moved.
First, I was taught to make the most out of every opportunity. There are some things that you can never go back to. And when you walk away from certain things, you may think to yourself how you could have better navigated whatever situation it was. But there is no time for regrets in this life. All you can do is live right now. And right now, do not waste any chance you get. If something looks to be a good opportunity, then take it. There are no do-overs in this singular life.
I also learned to not waste time. Whether or not you care for it, the sand in the hourglass will continue to settle to the bottom. That is kind of how life is. You only get as much as you get. So spend your time doing things where when you get a chance to look back, you will feel like it was an investment. He made me learn to value time in a new way. To never waste it. But rather, invest it. My best friend was eight days shy of his birthday when he passed. Imagine that. But I am ever so grateful for the time that we did have together. We only ever had one disagreement. It was petty and it lasted moments. Therefore, I can be grateful for his life and it’s impact because he did not waste a second of my time.
To live without regrets has been my other lesson. In fact, he once said something along the lines of you should live a life free of regrets. This shows me that I don’t have to feel pressure to be perfect. I can go with the flow of things and just do my best. And although things are not guaranteed to go my way at all times, the only control I have is to move on. I might get upset and throw a pity party over what ever may be happening. And that’s okay. It is acceptable to be down and perhaps wallow for a time. But when that happens, I will accept it.
So, while I kind of already knew all of these things before Mac’s passing, it was his very passing which put them into proper perspective for me. I will forever be grateful for the chance to have met him. He is (I have deliberately used the present tense) a blessing now and forever. And I truly believe that everyone who got the chance to ever encounter him is incredibly fortunate.
