Hard Sweet Life

It's a great book and everyone should read it Patrick “Augustus, perhaps you’d like to share your fears with the group.”  “My fears?” “Yes.”  “I fear oblivion,” he said without a moment’s pause. “I fear it like the proverbial blind man who’s afraid of the dark.” “Too soon,” Isaac said, cracking a smile. “Was that insensitive?” Augustus asked. “I can be pretty blind to other people’s feelings.” Isaac was laughing, but Patrick raised a chastening finger and said, “Augustus, please. Let’s return to you and your struggles. You said you fear oblivion?” “I did,” Augustus answered. Patrick seemed lost. “Would, uh, would anyone like to speak to that?” I hadn’t been in proper school in three years. My parents were my two best friends. My third best friend was an author who did not know I existed. I was a fairly shy person—not the hand-raising type. And yet, just this once, I decided to speak. I half raised my hand and Patrick, his delight evident, immediately said,

I want to get angry at me, at you, at everybody, at the world and at any object or living thing especially the mosquito feasting on my legs. My reasons? Simple.  I am not getting what I want. I am not fulfilling promises to myself. I have said countless times am going to change. Countless times that it would not happen to me again. Countless times that I would be strong and say it like I should. Countless times that consequences would not matter so long as what I was doing was right. Countless times that I would learn to stand my ground. (Am going to kill this mosquito) Countless times that I would learn to love me for who I am and not complain about a thing. Countless times that I would forgive my enemies but I never get around to calling them or visiting. Countless times that I would call my friends before they did but am always waiting for them to make a first move. (This mosquito is really getting on my nerves and feet) Countless times to admit I am

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.  I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.  I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.