Faced with a shortened life span – and then the gift of a longer life span, I feel compelled to re-consider my priorities. Maybe it’s my age, maybe my health, maybe a bit of both – I don’t see the value of being a miser. I have worked hard all my life and been careful with spending. Is now the time to begin to enjoy the fruits of my labour? What good is money when I’m dead. I would give every penny back if I could swap my parents’ inheritance for their lives. I appreciated their time more than their money. I appreciated playing with them more than their money. I remember their laughter, their love, and their company. My money will be soon gone, but the time I spend with my family will last forever.
Mom and Dad used to sing this song to me all the time. I hear their voices when I read the lyrics. I see their laughter while they sing it. Perhaps there is more to the lyrics than I had ever anticipated?
Here’s the version I remember Mom and Dad listening to: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxT8m46K1w8)
“You work and work for years and years, you’re always on the go
You never take a minute off, too busy makin’ dough
Someday you say, you’ll have your fun, when you’re a millionaire
Imagine all the fun you’ll have in your old rockin’ chair
Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you’re still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as a wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think
You’re gonna take that ocean trip, no matter come what may
You’ve got your reservations made, but you just can’t get away
Next year for sure, you’ll see the world, you’ll really get around
But how far can you travel when you’re six feet underground?
Your heart of hearts, your dream of dreams, your ravishing brunette
She’s left you and she’s now become somebody else’s pet
Lay down that gun, don’t try my friend to reach the great beyond
You’ll have more fun by reaching for a redhead or a blond
Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you’re still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as a wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think
You never go to night clubs and you just don’t care to dance
You don’t have time for silly things like moonlight and romance
You only think of dollar bills tied neatly in a stack
But when you kiss a dollar bill, it doesn’t kiss you back
Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you’re still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as a wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think”
Read more: Guy Lombardo – Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think) Lyrics | MetroLyrics
In The Corner 
I snatch joy here and there, moments with children and grandchildren. Fleeting and precious as my body tires oh so quickly. But in a blink of an eye this too will be past and gone! Priorities get rearranged.
AMen to that, Barney! I am totally ready for grandchildren – my kids aren’t yet though. So – guess I have to be patient. Glad you find so much joy with your family. Happy Easter, my friend!
Hi Stacey! 🙂 I have to read this again when I get home…… BUT!!!! Can you check and see if you are getting my emails again???? 🙂
Colleen – I got the last one just last night – I’ll check to see if the others were sent to spam. Quickly – and more tonight – I LOVE the sketch and indeed am keen to continue this project with you. No worries about timing – your life is WAY busier than mine is right now!
You are so gracious. I felt so good working (I don’t like calling it ‘work’ but I think you know what I mean) on these again. I have little stacks of papers of your little bitty self in my “bike room” where I draw. 🙂
Oh, my goodness – I can’ t wait until I have more energy!!! Just wait to see what happens, Colleen. This is such a cool story – two strangers meeting via blogging and making a difference in other people’s lives. How utterly cool is that?! The concept sometimes blows my mind. The doodle you drew for me prior to surgery is Still on my fridge and I still get a kick out of telling people the story behind it. ANyhow – exhausted today – chemo is catching up with me. Have a great night colleen and will be in touch!
Sending ENERGY thoughts to you Stacey. I do love the story…. 😉
Okay, does this mean you are going to do something incredibly fun and fantastic with your family??????? 🙂
I remember that old song as well… 🙂
Wow – I guess it got world-wide fame!
Oh that’s a great oldie. Good to be reminded of it. Enjoy yourself. 😉
I”m trying – every day!
Thanks Stacey for this post…it reminded me to enjoy my life as well as i was kind of worried and stressed out regarding my work…you made my day..Thanks a lot 🙂
Pepe – I guess we all need reminders. I have to remind myself to open my eyes to the good on most days. Your work is important and although stresses you out – it gives me hope! Carry on, my friend!
A nice reminder to enjoy life while we can.
Great tune, not sure if I have ever heard it before, but so true. I really enjoyed it.
“But when you kiss a dollar bill it doesn’t kiss ya back!”
Have you tried? grin.