Monday, January 15, 2007

A Somber Reminder: Life Is Precious

Deborah Schneider, public programming director of the King County Library System (who has set up talks for me at libraries) sent along this note on Slow Is Beautiful:

On Nov. 6th, my 24 year old son Garth was hospitalized. He had chronic kidney disease and underwent two kidney transplants, so he was often in the hospital. I carried your book with me when I went to visit, and he asked me to read from it. After I read several chapters -- we would discuss the ideas. He was of the opinion, probably because of all the health issues he faced, that people were rushing through their lives and never taking the time to truly enjoy experiences, time with friends and family and simple joy in the small daily pleasures of living.

Sadly, he developed several infections, and on November 24th, he passed away.

I appreciate that the last book we read together was one about finding more joy, because he lived a life of passionate discovery, delighting in his photography, enjoying time spent with friends, and teaching everyone he came into contact with about the true meaning of life.

I want to thank you for making the precious last days we spent together more meaningful.


Deborah later added in a note to me:

His favorite saying was: “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff”.

I was told my a friend who is a Native American Shaman that Garth came to teach us, and I hope the thing that people learn from his example is that every single day is precious, and you should do anything you need to be happy.


1 comment:

soulful sepulcher said...

"I was told my a friend who is a Native American Shaman that Garth came to teach us, and I hope the thing that people learn from his example is that every single day is precious, and you should do anything you need to be happy."

This is so true. What an amazing story.