The last book in the Hary Potter series is finally out and I happen to see this in the news around as the world celebrates the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows You might want to listen to J.K. Rowlings read the first chapter of the last book here…
Nearly two years ago, a friend lent me The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. Eddie, the main character, dies in a tragic accident while trying to save a little girl in the amusement park where he is a maintenance man. After his last breath, he awakens in afterlife, only it is not our usual picture of heaven with angels and a beautiful garden; instead, it is an abandoned theme park. As he explores the park, he met a man who told him that there he will meet five people, he being the first, who in one way or another changed his life forever while he was still on Earth.
The story touched me deeply not because of how the story was presented by the author, but because I want to thank some people who made me who I am now. Four of them are already in heaven; as for my best friend, I haven’t heard from him for fifteen years now…
If given the chance to choose those five people, I’ll choose my Grandma Choleng, the wife of my grandmother’s first cousin. I practically grew up with her. She taught me things, shared my smiles as well as my tears. Next, I hope it’s my best friend back in high school; the one who taught me how to love without demanding love in return. I’d also like to meet my angel whom I wasn’t able to see, to kiss and to touch though she was with me for seven months and fifteen minutes. I do not know her features but I know my heart will recognize her. Of course I want my mom to be there for me. I’ll tell her it really doesn’t matter that we believe in different things, I’m still grateful that God gave her to me as my mom and not just a friend or an acquaintance. I’ll also tell her I’m proud of her. The fifth person I’d like to meet is someone whom I had guided for the better. I may or may not know the person but I’d like to think that somehow, at one point in time, I was able to influence somebody and changed his or her life for the better.
The “five people” may or may not be true; God may or may not grant me my wishes and I may not understand His reasons, but I do not pray for understanding, what I pray for is for me to be able to accept His wishes while He walks beside me.
Be positive. Be optimistic. Be appreciative of your life, of your freedom. How many times do we hear those words? Family, friends and co-workers alike say the same thing. More often than not we just hear them out but not necessarily follow their advice.
Maybe you’re positive (just like me). Maybe you’re optimistic (just like me). And maybe (just like me) your freedom is taken for granted. Well, not really taken for granted but not appreciative enough that you’re free. It’s just there anyway! As long as you’re free, there’s nothing to worry about. Sure!
Do you watch the Big Brother show? Have you ever read the 1984 novel by George Orwell? The housemates’/characters’ movements are all monitored. More so in 1984 novel –even the brains are controlled. If you have time, try to read the novel. It’s a good book and an eye opener at the same time. Your time won’t be wasted, and you’ll have a different outlook in life after the last page… promise!