There was an extraordinary story in the papers this week.

Quite recently, a man was killed by a train. After reading about the accident, Diana Branton recognized the physical description of the victim as her brother, Dane Squires. Squires was described as a 48-year-old homeless man who was a "free spirit who used to disappear for long stretches". Diana spoke to the police then went to the morgue and positively identified the body of her brother Dane.

The family was understandably shocked and upset as they made funeral arrangements. On the day of the funeral, Diana was too distraught to attend so she stayed home. That was when she answered her front door to find her brother Dane standing there!! When he asked where everyone was his sister answered: "Dane, they're all at your funeral."

The newspaper story goes on to describe how Dane's daughter gave a speech at the funeral service "in which she lamented all the misunderstandings that had kept them apart." Just a few hours later, she was embracing her father and looking at all the flowers that people sent to his funeral.

This week, I want you to think about two things:

1. Imagine attending your own funeral. Who would be there? What would everyone say?
2. Today, and EVERYDAY, I want you to do everything within your power to ensure that no one at your funeral will ever have to give a speech in which they lament all of the misunderstandings that kept you apart.

Welcome back to life Dane! Use this bonus time wisely!

ENJOY NOW!

The things and events of time and space... the stuff that's surrounding you now, your memory of recent events, all simply reveal where you've been, not where you're headed.

Copyright (c) 2003-2004, all rights reserved.
National Library of Canada ISSN 1708-0606

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Contact him at: http://www.mathieu.com or email patrick@mathieu.com.