The following piece was written by an eighty five year old man who learned that he had but just a few days to live…

“If I had my life to live over again, I’d try to make more mistakes next time.

I wouldn’t be so perfect. I would relax more. I’d limber up.

I’d be sillier than I’ve been on this trip.

In fact, I know very few things that I would take seriously.

I’d be crazier. I’d be less hygienic.

I’d take more chances.

I’d take more trips, I’d climb more mountains, I’d sail more seas.

I’d swim more rivers, I’d go to more places I’ve never been to.

I’d eat more ice cream and fewer beans.

I’d have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones!

You see, I was one of those people who lived sanely and sensibly hour after hour, day after day, year after year.

Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had it to do over again, I’d have more of those moments – moment by moment by moment.

I’ve been one of those people who never went anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute.

If I had it to do all over again, I’d travel lighter next time.

If I had it to do all over again, I’d start out earlier in the spring and stay away later in the fall.

I’d ride more merry-go-rounds,

I’d watch more sunrises,

I’d play with more children,

If I had my life to live all over again…

But you see…

I don’t.”

Jorge Luis Borges