Life Is A Treasure By Any Measure

I was talking out loud, and like a black ominous cloud, was raining on everyone's day.
It was quite clear to anyone near that no happiness was coming my way.
I was feeling quite sad, my day was really bad, and I was complaining about my miserable life.
When young man sitting nearby, without being shy, asked me what could possibly give me such strife?
I looked at him, with his carefree grin, and told him he was too young to understand.
With a glint in his eye, he said "Well just try because, although young, I'm an experienced man".
So of course, without any remorse, I sat down and told him all in my life that was wrong.
He listened well, and I could tell, his feelings about what I said were strong.
I continued my rant and sang my sad chant of how everyone should pity me.
I complained of how, my life was Hell, and of how nobody worse off could there be.
When I was done, he said, "You've had a tough run, and I can certainly see you're in pain.
And there were times that come to mind when my own life surely felt the same.
When you complain you only restrain the truly great things life has brought.
I don't mean to be unkind but let me remind you of all the blessings of which you forgot".
He said, "Just think, in merely a wink, how far in life you have come.
And it may seem to you, your life is now through, but the good times have just begun.
Not too long ago, I too was slow, to realize what living truly means.
But think about how, who you are now, is the miracle that living out life brings.
Life is a gift, and it's very swift, but it's ours to live as we please.
You can be sad, or you can be glad, it's really your choice, you see?
You can yell and holler, but like your last dollar, once you spend it, life's gone!
So don't look at it with dread, be thankful instead, for it's okay to be sad, but then move on".
With his last word, I suddenly heard a faint "squeak" from under the table.
As I saw the wheelchair, you could have cut the air and I wanted to speak but was unable.
It made me gasp, for a man without half of his body could be so thankful.
Then I felt shame; for who was I to complain? And suddenly... I was grateful.
For now my sad state didn't carry much weight as I watched the young vet roll away.
I said goodbye, with a tear in my eye and I have never forgotten that day.
Now each morning, whether sunny or storming, I give thanks for my one chance.
Life is not about, your wealth or your clout, but rather how you learn to dance.
So when it's raining, stop complaining, and get out there and find some fun.
Life is too short, so remember this sport, you have but only one.
Life is a treasure by any measure