According to an old Argentinian saying, told to me by my Argentinian friend, there are three things that everyone should do, before they leave this world: 1) write a book, 2) have a baby, and 3) plant a tree.
I have no idea who first stated that, although I am curious if the statement has ever been attributed to someone in particular. If you know, please tell me!
As for me, I suppose that, technically speaking, I could make the grand exit, any time, as I have written a number of books, have had one baby, and have planted many trees.
Think about the significance of the statement in the initial paragraph.
If one writes a book, he or she is sharing knowledge, and his or her thoughts “will live on.”
With any luck, a baby will grow to maturity and have children of his or her own, thereby passing on the legacy of a family, and also, its genes. Therefore, the family lives on.
Finally, a tree seedling will grow into something beautiful that will provide shade, a place for birds to land and to make their home, and it will release oxygen into the air, helping to preserve the quality of the very air we breathe.
Yes, a book, a baby, a tree…are all necessary for the continuation of life, as we know it. Sometimes, friends provide us words that we can hold onto, and that do provide meaning to life.
Even though I have accomplished all three actions, I am still here, and hope to be around a good while longer.
Best wishes,
Patricia
