Giving Thanks - Taking Stock - Kathy Caprino

Giving Thanks - Taking Stock This Sunday, we buried my father-in-law. He died suddenly, out of the blue, in a matter of minutes. His body just shut down, and he left the planet. He had been in a nursing home for only 6 weeks.   As with any major event in one’s life, a death in the family creates a gap in space and time, in which you’re pushed to take stock, and look long and hard at your own life to see where it’s heading and the impact it’s having.   Watching the end point of life unfold, some things went through my mind about life, and what it is to live a “successful” one.   Here’s what came to me:   1) Our lives are a vast accumulation of all that we’ve said, done, made others feel, encouraged others to do, and of what we’ve left behind â€" fragments of energy and light that have made a mark.   2) Success in life can be determined by answering these questions â€" “Did you, by and large, experience joy, love and support, give it in return? Did you learn (and overcome) what you came here to learn? And did your life have a positive impact?   3) When you leave the planet, will you be missed? If so, it’s probably because of cherished qualities you helped others see in themselves (their beauty, value, brilliance, capability, goodness) that they couldn’t see on their own.   4) Finally, what’s the meaning of life? I certainly don’t have the answers, but I do know this…we have this precious chance, these 80 or so years, to live life full out, without regrets, without shame, without reservation to experience all of the life, love, joy, passion, and courage we can, and to be all that we came here to be.   I’m determined not to waste this chance.   Wishing you and yours a joyous Thanksgiving.