Go on, smile, enjoy the here and now
I guess, like most of you, there are certain longterm events in life that I look forward to.
Just over four years ago, when the doctors said that my prostate cancer had spread and I may only live for another two years, I remember sitting at home that night in tears.
I was thinking about all the things that I had been looking forward to but just would not happen in that all-too-brief two years.
That meeting with the doctor taught me, the hard way, that while there is nothing wrong with having long-term dreams, focusing on shorter term pleasures is, in some respects, more important.
What does that mean in real terms? It means enjoying the moments that make me smile in life. Dreaming of and then seeing my team AFC Wimbledon beat West Ham in the FA Cup last weekend was great, but I also took a friend of mine and his dad along too – as I know doing family stuff is so important while you can. I would have taken my dad if he had still been here, so I wanted to do it for them without them realising my motive.
Other joys are watching my son play football each Sunday and having family round every week for dinner. So far, touch wood, I have been very lucky and last week I was able to celebrate my daughter Hayley’s 21st with her, and be there when son Ollie got his Chief Scout’s Award.
Four years ago I never expected to see those events but, by some miracle, I have. So I hope you all have important long-term dreams but don’t forget that today and tomorrow are just as important and can be just as fulfilling. Those memories will be with you for longer.
Until next week
Daughter’s 21st and son’s award have shown me it’s good to celebrate while I can. I feel lucky