Like this:

‘’I read a note saying that when I was born everyone was all smiles while I cried, so I should live my life in such a way that when I die, everyone will be crying while am all smiles. And as my time winds up, I realize how true this happens to be’’. ‘’These are the words of a man who lived long time ago’’, said my grandfather, as he narrated one of his numerous tales. The tale went to report on this mans life and how he always tried to what is right and what is good, despite how hard this would at times prove to be.

Despite a life laced with stints in captivity, separation from family and friends, trials and tribulations of all kind, he turned out to be one of the most respected figures, not only in his hometown, but beyond the boarders as well. Across the seas and the deepest valleys, his name echoed back and fourth. People gathered to discuss his achievements, beliefs, dreams and actions. They spoke his life whenever they had something to say. Truly he was a great man. Not perfect, but great.

He buried many, lost some to wars, diseases and plagues of various types. And of course some fell victim to time.  Some just walked away. Yet he never lost heart. He got discouraged alright. At times he even wanted to give up. But he never lost his will. He was tempted to quit, to forget and to compromise just like everyone else around him. He fell down just like we would all do, but he never stayed there. He got right up, dusted himself and moved on. Sometimes it took long, but he always did it, as soon as he could.

Due to captivity, he often got separated from his family and friends. Sometimes for so long that it wasn’t easy relying on their faith. Still he believed in himself and fought for the cause. When he got a chance to exercise revenge, he let his enemies go. Forgave them and charged them to do what is right. Many fell off with the masses reaching out for vengeance. Not him.

‘’It’s not easy existing’’, said my grandfather as he started to wind up. ‘’Life can throw hurdles at you left, right and center, not to mention what would happen when you turn around, which you shouldnt. These barriers will fluctuate your walk, placing your talk under scrutiny. Especially when you start out to do something new. They will doubt, discourage and downplay your efforts to get ahead. They will be like, is he for real? Does he really think he is going to pull it off? Who does he think he is? And this can be discouraging, damaging and pain rendering.  But for one who is true to himself, for one who believes in himself and in that which he set out to do, these obstacles should only serve the same purpose as the steps of a ladder that will get you higher, assuming that’s your goal in life. And as time unwinds, it unveils new challenges, new struggles and new goals. And whichever way you tackle your life, live it out, so that just like the old man, you can one day utter these words,’’ And as my times winds up, I realize how true this happens to be’’. Of course with a smile on your face.

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