A few months ago, I had a long and heartfelt talk with one of my dear clients who was entering the last stages of his time here on earth. These are difficult, but important discussions. As an advisor, I feel that being able to provide assurance that one’s financial matters are in good order is very comforting.
I spent a few hours with him, listening to his life history and how he was ready to re-join his deceased wife, Barbara, in the afterlife. He shared stories and we looked at pictures of his younger days. He and Barbara loved dancing and traveling the world. My heart was warmed by their glowing smiles in the yellowing photographs he shared. It was palpable how this brought him back to a much happier place, there was even a glint of hope in his eyes, that this was a place he might return to shortly.
Two days later, I received a call telling me that if I wanted to say my goodbyes I should stop by. I did, he was sleeping peacefully, and I did not wake him. I wondered whether, in his slumber, he was dancing with his Barbara and if she was in the same gown as she was in the framed picture on his bedside table. On my drive home I remember thinking how fleeting life can be. We work so hard to grow our financial assets and add to our material things. Time and memories are not fungible assets.
Time is the currency we cannot re-earn, and it should not be wasted or hoarded. The most valuable item that our “time currency” can buy is our memories. We all need to realize and contemplate this. Once time is spent on the memories purchased it is a permanent transaction and cannot be returned or replaced. Treat the value of your time wisely and always be aware of the memories you are creating, not just for yourself, but also for those you may someday leave behind.
- Dave