It was one helluva cloudy day and I was in the cab on my way to the gym. The clouds had masked me, and I was in my world. Lost. My car braked for another rider. I was on a ride share. And suddenly I felt there were hope and life around me. It was Tracey, my co-rider. Chirpy, with shoulder length shiny hair which was a mix of platinum and slightest of burgundy. She sat in the front seat and turned around to say a hi. She was over 50 I figured; her wrinkles said stories and her smile lines spoken. Her energy was unmatchable. She told the driver that she was going on a seaplane this afternoon. But the driver was lost in the GPS navigation and hence said cool and remained silent. I couldn’t let her fade away she was my sun for the moment, I asked her how long is the ride, and she jumped back with excitement. She
Said it was an hour and how she was looking forward to it. Her voice and expressions did the job.
The car again stopped for the third co-rider, and this time it was a guy. He and Tracey exchanged pleasantries, and she told him about the seaplane ride. He mirrored her excitement as he experienced it a while ago and was narrating the same to her. The driver butted in to say, aren’t you scared? She responded stating “ No! I have jumped out of a plane three times so far”. My eyes widened, and mouth fell open. That needs some guts I told myself. While I was in this mode she narrated her story and tears flowed from my eyes; I couldn’t stop myself.
She is a cancer survivor, a proud one who back in action. She made it sound like a breeze. She laughed when she said, “Luckily I didn’t lose my hair to Chemo.” We were all silent. She went on to say that her husband was diagnosed with colon cancer three months after her diagnosis. He died. She carries his ashes wherever she goes and scatters it. She is all set to live life, to travel the world and that’s her only goal. She says nothing stops her anymore.
She gave me life; she inspired me, she knocked me into being. I was very emotional, and before I could compose myself, I reached my destination so had to leave the car, the happy place. Not before I wished her a beautiful day.
My mind had so many questions brewing like, why do we wait to know the value of life? Why don’t we value time when we know there might not be a tomorrow? Why don’t we live now than think if tomorrow?
Live – Love – Laugh is the mantra she passed on to me. Wherever she is, I will always remember her. She had that magic, and she knew the value of life.
I wish you a life filled with happiness Tracey!