The Most Precious Gift

In those rare moments when sorrow
overwhelms me, when time seems to
be my enemy instead of that friend

I thought it to be, when I question
my beliefs, try to understand the simple
truth of things... why life is so precious?

Why must some carry heavy burdens
while others seen to breeze by? Why
do we feel we must pity those who do not

Want it so? I am reminded of the blind
child hearing leaves dancing in trees
and the blissful smile on his face as the

Music of nature touches him. I am
reminded of the deaf child beside him
who shares his smile as she sees that

Same music in those same leaves. I
remember the pride shining upon a
young woman's face as she races to the finish

In her wheelchair, finishing last, but
finishing. I think of the young man once
thought not teachable, unreachable, as he

Holds his diploma high with tears of joy
streaming down his cheeks. I think of
friends who have battled illnesses deemed

Terminal and have watched some succumb
and others survive and I understand why
life is so precious...

It is a gift!
It is meant to be lived...
every moment to be
sipped and savored...
every breath to be taken...
every dream to be dreamed...
every thought to be spoken.

It is a gift
to be shared.
It is a gift
to be cherished.
It is simply....
living
one day at a time,
one moment at a time,
and one breath at a time.
And never should we forget
it is the most precious gift of all!