According to this clock, my life is predicted to end some time after the year 2050. Please don’t misinterpret my sharing this as an example of morbidness and pessimism. On the contrary, I reflect on this from time to time to remind myself the importance of enjoying and appreciating each and every day with which we have been blessed.

Earlier this year, my father signed up with some plan from our local electric company to install energy regulators and shut-off devices on his air conditioning unit at home. As a reward for his contribution to energy conservation, they sent him a $20 gift card to Starbucks. You should understand that my father had never stepped foot into a Starbucks in his entire life, but ever since he received the gift card, it started burning a hole in his pocket. His thrifty upbringing (or dare I say, his traditional Chinese upbringing) will not allow him to let anything go to waste, especially if it is free. Every week, he has been calling regularly, asking if I will go with him to Starbucks on some Saturday to have a relaxing morning of father-son conversation. I finally was able to grant his wish this past week, which was especially nice because my sister was visiting with her family from Sacramento. So the three of us got to have some quality time as a family, reminiscing together over three cups of latte. It was an unbeatable experience, even if the coffee would not have been free.

This past year, many of my friends have had the misfortune of losing one of their parents. There’s not much one can say or do to change the fact that we all grow old and move on some day. However, one lesson I learned long ago keeps me inspired and focused. Because we can’t prevent the inevitable, we should focus on what we CAN control. Someday, when our loved ones are gone, rather than mull with regret over things we could have done, words we could have said or times we could have shared, why not seize the golden opportunities NOW, while we still can? My parents are amazing in that they both run at least a mile almost every day. Their health would predict that they will be around for quite a while, but I’m not taking any chances. I do my best to spend time with them on a regular basis, using the chance to build up great memories. Someday, these memories will be all I have left of them, so I’m greedily accumulating them now while I have the chance. If it’s not too late for you, I pray that you take the chance to enjoy the company of your loved ones now and make this a resolution for 2008!