The day before yesterday, Vinson, my dear friend left us suddenly. I was shocked when I heard this news. How come? We’ve appointed time to have dinner together this weekend when I visit Beijing. Now it’ll never come.
During the late night the same day, when the whole world became quiet, I took time to miss him. He was such a kind, warm and gentle person. He cared others a lot. He always tried to help others and tried to make positive impact on society. He researched the young unemployed people and tried to find the solution to help them together with other like-minded people. He accepted my request to talk with him and spent two hours to coach and mentor me after first meet. At the same time, he knew the limitation of his thoughts and reminded me of that.
I regret a lot. This is so far my only regret. I regret that I didn’t ask to hug him when I wanted. I regret that the moment that I felt “I like him” but I didn’t tell him. I regret that when he asked to talk with me through phone, I said I prefer in person conversation. Now I missed one opportunity to know him better and I’ll never have opportunities. I’ve asked myself again, again and again why I didn’t talk with him earlier.
However, no matter how regret I am, he’ll not back. I have to accept that he was gone. Taking this as a reality, what can I learn from the loss of him? What can I do to better remember him? I’ve asked myself these two questions.
What can I learn from the loss of him? I think the greatest lesson is that “Don’t wait! Live the moment!” You’ll never know what will happen in next moment. Enjoy this moment as much as you can. Do things bring you joy. Say “Thank you” to people who do little good things for you. Say “I love you” to your family, friends. Hug people when you want. Start doing little things right now for your big dreams.
What can I do to better remember him? The best way is that inherit and spread his good spirit of being open minded, being kind to others, doing things bigger than ourselves for greater good. I remind myself every moment to practice these good spirits from him. Even though things I am doing might be little, like say “hello” and talk with elderly lady in the park after exercising. But I believe that do what I can do at the moment everyday, accumulated together will bring tremendous changes.
I am growing to a better person because of him. I hope this positive impact can spread to many more.