Today I was taught a valuable lesson.
Two weeks ago I dropped off some shirts to be altered at a small, hole in the wall, Eastern European run alterations shop in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While getting sized, I recognized the language being spoken from the mother, who is the shop owner, and her son, who had stopped by after a college class to catch up. I asked them where they were from, while dropping a couple lines in their language, which I probably butchered beyond comprehension. Quickly, we all developed an instant connection, chatting and laughing about travel, adventure, immigration, school, career, opportunity and much more.
Her son, and I never knew his name, was taking Political Science at the University of Michigan, the same type of program that I graduated from many years ago. He wasn’t sure what to do with his degree once he finished in April, so I told him of my path, the challenges, the options, and most importantly, the opportunities. He listened intently, and vowed to chase his professional dreams in a similar manner after exploring the world – which I highly advised as well. He was so well spoken and had an infectious energy about him. His eyes sparkled with that motivated desire to achieve.
After 20 – 30 minutes, the alteration sizing was complete, and I had to go. I thanked them for the service and outstanding conversation. They were truly a happy family and a charm to speak with.
On Wednesday, Dec 3rd, I received a voicemail stating that the alterations were not ready as promised. No harm done, it wasn’t urgent anyways. So I called back today, Friday, Dec 5th, to find out when I should come in to pick the shirts up.
The shop owner answered the phone and asked how she could help me. I said my name and that she had left me a voicemail on Wednesday.
She said with some element of excitement, “Oh Shaun! I’m sorry that your shirts are late. After you came in my son was so excited by the words of our conversation that we talked the entire evening about what he was going to do. He told me he’d like to travel for 6 to 12 months and then pursue a career similar to yours.” I was flattered that my words had resounded so well with him. If only I had been that driven and disciplined at that age. What she said next destroyed me… and with a deflated voice she said, “We went to bed that night looking forward to tomorrow, but when tomorrow came my son didn’t wake up. He passed away unexpectedly that night. I was looking so forward to your call because you, next to me, were the last person to speak with him. Thank you for giving him so much hope on his last day. For that I am eternally grateful.”
Now, generally, I know what to say in every situation, but this was well beyond what I was expecting on a Friday morning when calling the lady who was doing my shirt alterations. I replied the best I could, “I’m speechless. I’m so sorry. He made an impression on me as well and I’ve thought of him often since that day. Such a remarkable young man…”
We spoke for a few more minutes...
I now consider her not as just the lady who does, and will continue to do, the alterations for all my clothes, but as, Lucia, a friend of which we shared a profound experience. My heart goes out to her and her family. I’m crushed to know that the young man with whom I spoke, who had as much opportunity, motivation and inspiration to chase his dreams as anyone I’ve ever known, is now no longer with us. He will never be forgotten… nor will the lesson that he taught me.
My family and friends, don’t forget to live in the now. This moment, in the present, is all that is guaranteed. The greatest gift is to be given this day, today, plus family and friends to experience it with. It is also the reminder to chase happiness in these moments, while giving to and supporting those who are most dear to you. And, importantly, be someone who improves each moment for people that you don’t yet know, for the impact it may have on their lives could be greater than is fathomable.
“Life is not measured by the amount of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.”
Now go - live, love, follow your heart and chase your dreams. There’s no better time than now.
