Life is Fragile: Cherish What Truly Matters and Let Go of What Doesn’t

Life often reminds us of how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One of my earliest and most profound lessons in this came when I lost one of my best friends during the summer break of 5th grade. We were both just 10 years old, attending elementary school in Odisha, India. He had gone to visit his uncle’s house and, in what was supposed to be a fun, carefree moment, fell from a guava tree; a common adventure we all shared growing up, plucking fruits for free in those days. That day, he didn’t make it back. ????

Though I was the class topper, he was among the best three students in our school. His sudden passing has stayed with me throughout the years. I often find myself thinking about him, even decades later. Sometimes it brings sadness, thinking of how much he has missed out on in life. Other times, I smile, remembering the wonderful memories we shared; playing rural games and plucking fruits from jungles. We even participated in our school’s annual drama, a memory I cherish to this day. His life was cut short far too early, and it's a reminder that life doesn’t always give us the time we think we have. ????

Another heartbreaking incident happened in middle school, this time with my dearest Sangate (meaning “best friend” in Odia). One day, while our teacher was punishing another student (unfortunately, it was common practice back then), my friend, who was watching from the side, was struck in the eye by a portion of the stick. He lost his eye completely. That moment happened right in front of me, and the memory still haunts me.

Despite that tragic event, my Sangate has always been the strongest person I’ve known. He was the kind of friend who not only paid for my picnic and cricket club fees but also sponsored our prized SP Cricket Bat, a big deal in those days. Though he wasn’t the best player, we made him the captain out of respect and love. Even after everything, he remains an inspiration to me, a symbol of resilience and strength. We affectionately call him Pavana, the God of wind. ???

Though life has taken me to different cities in India and eventually to USA, I’ve always stayed connected to my friends, especially my Sangate. His unshakable spirit still inspires me today. I often think about how lucky I am to have had these friendships and how fleeting life can be, even when we least expect it. ??

The loss of my childhood friend, and the hardships my Sangate faced, made me realize how precious every moment is. We never know how much time we have left with the people we care about. In times like the recent pandemic, it becomes even clearer that life doesn’t discriminate; whether young or old, rich or poor, life can change in an instant.

This journey has taught me to let go of toxic emotions like anger, hate, and envy, and instead embrace gratitude for the way things are. It’s so easy to get caught up in striving for the next goal, but we need to make time to celebrate life’s small and big successes, and most importantly, cherish our loved ones while we have them. ??

Please, take a moment today to tell your friends and family that you love them, that you care for them, and that you are there for them. In the end, it’s not about how much time we have but how we use that time to make memories, love deeply, and appreciate the people who matter.

?? Life is fragile: Make time for what matters, and let go of what doesn’t.

I can see my 5th-grade friend, a shining light, in the picture above. May his memory forever live in my heart. ????

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