Sidney Poitier is now 81. Hard to believe. He has great grandchildren, which is what prompted him to write a book in the form of letters. The book is entitled, “Life Beyond Measure, Letters to My Great-Granddaughter.” The book is Poitier’s way of passing on his wisdom to the upcoming generation because he realizes, “The time between us is short.”
Aging does that to people. Forces us to think of the time we have remaining. It makes us think of the youngsters in our family who will grow well into adulthood without us.
I suspect younger people don’t understand – nor should they – the need older people may have to pass on the wisdom they’ve acquired. Reflection is a by-product of aging. The time between us and those who are substantially younger is very short.
Time isn’t so precious when you’re young. The older you grow the more valuable it becomes. And I suspect there is an age, perhaps brought about by health conditions, at which time stands still – and you’re just ready to call it a life.
Death isn’t the only barometer of the time between us. Accomplishments and many other things can also gauge the time between us. Chief among such may be wisdom.
Randy Pausch, famous performer of “The Last Lecture,” died today. He was 47. We all knew, including him, that death was inevitable – and coming sooner than later. The time between him and his children becoming adults was simply too great for him. Go here for Randy’s diary.
Sadness enters the room for millions of people who viewed his last lecture on YouTube, read his subsequent book and saw him on Oprah. He seemed like such a good guy.
Death respects no one. Good or bad. We all die. Death closes the gap of the time between all of us. Hold a good thought for his family and so many other families who suffer the losses created by death.
Equally, if not more important, consider the time between you and those you love…between you and what you hope to accomplish. Get on with it. Time is short. The time between us is extremely short, meaning the time we have together isn’t long. Soon our loved ones will be out of reach.
The time between who we are and who we hope to be is short, too. Who we hope to become might escape us. Unrealized potential often results when time runs out. Few of us fully realize our dreams, ambitions or potential.
Grab it while you can. Do it while you can. Say it while you can.
