I just watched the video of Zach Sobiech who died yesterday of a rare bone cancer at the young age of 18. The 22-minute video (below) about his attitude on life, how he made people feel, and how he wanted to be remembered filled my heart.
Here was a 17 year old kid with so much to teach. He was wise beyond his years. He didn’t want to dwell on the fact that he only had a few months to live. He wanted to live life to the fullest, be with his family and friends and make people happy. He choose quality of life even if it meant less time on this earth. It didn’t matter that he only had a few months to live. He didn’t want pity nor did he want to spend the rest of his days in a hospital, waiting until he caught his last breathe. He wanted to be like all the other kids and enjoy life.
His story is a story of hope, joy, a great attitude, and words to live by. “Don’t wait until you find out you’re dying to start living”. Carpe diem baby! His message is one that we sadly need ingrained in our heads and in our hearts. It’s so easy to get caught up in the rat race we call life. Remember what “they” say: Even if you win the rat race, you’re still a rat!
Are you happy? Do you do things that make you and others happy? What are your dreams? Have you given up on them? If you have, it’s time to dust them off and start realizing them. Hold on to those dreams. The world is filled with “dream stealers”. You know who they are. They are the people who tell you that you can’t do this or that. Live life to the fullest every day and choose to be happy. Keep in mind that you can’t give what you don’t have.
I loved hearing how Zach made others feel. Zach’s father said that just being around Zach made you happy. How do you make others feel? Do you tell them how you feel or do you internalize things?
Tell the people you care about how you feel. Express gratitude, encouragement, empathy, strength, love, sympathy as often as possible… Even a simple thank you or a hug can make someone’s day. I love the goal of trying to make other’s happy. Make that a daily goal.
How do you want to be remembered? Zach wanted to be remembered as a fighter. His family would remember him with a smile on his face, as someone who you just wanted to be around, because just being next to him made you happy.
Thank you Zach for your words of inspiration. They are words to live by and in your case, words to die by. “Try to make people happy”. May you rest in peace. I am sure you are making the angels happy up there wherever you are!
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Here is “Clouds”, the song he wrote to say goodbye:
LOVE IT! I am so there! Gas pedal to the floor board, dump the clutch and live life wide open …. Makes it really hard for the dream stealers to keep up… 🙂