Today started like any other day... with a bowl of cereal...
Dear people searching for purpose,
Today was a strange and wonderful day. Very, very peculiar. I guess, to start off this entry, I should explain that my good friend, Ben, recently passed away. He was a victim of cancer. It’s been a couple of months since his passing, but it’s still hard to believe and difficult to sink in.
Today, me and all of Ben’s friends met at his house. It was a simple “get together” to support his family and each other. We hugged, shared laughs, reminisced about the good ol’ days, and just came together to comfort one another. It was a sad day, but at the same time a very warm and loving day…
When I woke up this morning I walked to the fridge to pull out milk and eat a bowl of cereal. I was welcomed by my aunt and her overly excited puppy. We talked about nothing particularly important, but it was still pleasant. As we talked, my phone rang. It happened to be my college friend from Chicago. He was calling to check on me and make sure I was practicing my trumpet and my music. It was a short conversation that ended in, “I’ll call you tomorrow.” After this, I proceeded to go to my work cleaning tables at a family style burger restaurant. Here, I was greeted by my coworkers. At work I ran into an old family friend that I hadn’t seen in years. When I was done with work, long story short, I ended up visiting other family friends that my mom was with. We hung out for a bit and then it was time to go to Ben’s house. As I walked to my car I ran into a fellow musician I had played with in an orchestra a few years ago. And finally, I made it to Ben’s house and was greeted by old friends and his family.
After the “get together” I headed back to my aunt’s place. I sat with her and talked about my day. It was at this point that I came to the realization of how odd and amazing my day had been. As I reflected on the events of my day, I realized that I had gone to seven completely different “worlds” of my life from my aunt’s kitchen to the memories with old friends. This blew my mind.
I can understand if you think that the previous big paragraph was just a boring list of things I did today, but please take a moment to realize how unusual this day was. Imagine if one person from each of my “seven worlds” were forced to gather in a room. They would just look at each other and wonder, “Who the heck are you?” In time, I guess, they would realize that the way they were connected was through me.
To be honest, I never realized how many people I’ve met from so many places and connected with. I’ve been just living life not really understanding what’s going on around me, but today forced me to venture into all sorts of memories, feelings, and thoughts. As cliché or obvious as it may seem, today was the first day I recognized how significant the people who surround you are. I realized how much of an impression they put on your life. And I guess, it’s safe to say that I had just as much of an impression on them. It’s days like today that smack you across the face and help you see what’s important and realize what life’s all about.
Ben died at the age of 20 years young. A short life to many, but he had enough time to have a wonderful impact on many wonderful people. Ben lived life the way it’s meant to be lived. He walked around with the biggest smile and was ready to become your friend. I finally don’t feel lost in contemplating life’s purpose. Smile. Connect with people. Experience many, many “worlds.” Cherish everything. This is life’s goal. Thank you Ben, B-EN.
Much love,
Ty T-Y
First, thank you for sharing something so personal, props. This comment may be completely out there, but I felt prety connected and I don’t know how many times I feel this exactway. I hope there are other people do get this smack of realization. Part of your life is about lessons, those experiences and what you take from them. We all go through each day taking so much forgranted as well. I sometimes feel sad for people (some that are close to me or used to be) that haven’t realized that yet. That their life is just that, theirs. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the people that are still around in my life and even the ones who aren’t but left footprints. Even the extremely sweet man who takes knows how I like my coffee (awesome cafe on the UES) makes my day, everyday, by simply handing me that coffee, coffee cup sleeve, napkin and the line that won’t ever get old, “have a great day miss.” SO seriously, thank you Ben, Ty, sweet coffe man, and everyone else that help us realize to smile and chrish everything.
Always,
Bea
(p.s. this is (finally) my first contribution to HARDFLUFF. Thank you Matt =]
This was amazing to say the least Ty. I realized the beauty of your day and life from the first bowl of cereal. This really touches on so many different and important aspects of what it means to truly live life. I’m sure Ben is nothing but happy for the way you live, and I’m sincerely overjoyed due to the simple fact that you were able to, and actually did, share this with everyone. “Imagine if one person from each of my “seven worlds” were forced to gather in a room. They would just look at each other and wonder, “Who the heck are you?” In time, I guess, they would realize that the way they were connected was through me.” What great words man. That fantastically conveys how everyone is really connected through something or someone in one way or another. This is a true look at the meaning of life, and you being able to derive all of this from your daily experiences is almost too great for words. Thanks a lot for this, and I really look forward to more of it.
P.s. Happy that you contributed something so great and really meaningful Bea! I’m looking forward to much more
Great job Ty!
It is the simple things within the moment of being that realization comes. We are interconnected in life. Sometimes in the day to day hustle we miss it. A major event like death,birth,triumph or destruction brings it squarely into focus. Thank you for sharing your worlds Ty.