What Ever Do I Want? (Updated: 01/04/25)

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by

in
Daily writing prompt
What is the greatest gift someone could give you?

01/24/25: I wasn’t going to mess about with the daily prompt today, but I am looking back on it now in the wake of hearing that a former coworker of mine has passed away. His name was Paul, and I knew him for almost 15 years. He was stricken with an aggressive bout of cancer last year, and yesterday, he left us. In 15 years we never had a harsh words between us, and I respected him as a worker, and most importantly, as a man.

It seems fitting that “gift” is the theme of this prompt, as the most precious gift we have is this life. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to remind us of that. Since Paul was also an easygoing guy with a great sense of humor, I have added one Gorilla touch to this post. I don’t think he’d mind one bit. Beyond these additions, the post is as it was last year.

Rest In Peace, Paul. Respect always. See you on the other side.

I’m sitting here staring at this prompt asking myself what is there someone could give me?

Truthfully, I can’t think of anything.

I mean, yeah, I could say a million bucks, an easy, high-paying job, a new Lambo (Black. Just saying on the off chance), etc.

Addendum 01/04/25: A place in the mountains with my own private nurse. I have sciatica, ok? Hiking in the mountains might agitate it. ๐Ÿ˜‰

But I’ve already been blessed with a lot of gifts lately:

  • A ton of people who’ve reached out to check on me in shows of genuine friendship.
  • I now know who won’t be there for me when the chips are down.
  • The chance to investigate other avenues of income generation.
  • The opportunity to learn new skills.
  • The opportunity to find a job that better aligns with my needs and values.
  • The chance to hopefully bring some positivity into the lives of others.
  • This blog, which has allowed me the chance to try something new and meet some really awesome people.

Overall, at this stage of the game, I couldn’t ask for more. I’ve been very fortunate indeed.

And if you are reading this right now, then I would like to thank you very much for the generous gift of your time. I truly appreciate it.


Comments

67 responses to “What Ever Do I Want? (Updated: 01/04/25)”

  1. to reach a point of contentment as such is really wonderful, Kevin… counting our blessings and appreciation for what we have..
    thank you for your shares and time too ๐Ÿ™

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Destiny, thank you so much.
      These moments of clarity are sometimes hard to come by in life, but when they do, I feel it’s best to try and embrace them.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. so true… and a pleasure tooโœจ

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Itโ€™s good that youโ€™ve been blessed with so many gifts recently. Itโ€™s the start of the new year and itโ€™s a new beginning for you and everyone else.

    The fact that you said you couldnโ€™t really think of any more gifts you would want shows that you are not materialistic person.

    I hope that your blessings continue to multiply throughout this upcoming year.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I like “things” and I want to be successful, of course, but chasing “things” tends to be a never ending treadmill. I’d rather work on myself since the ROI on that is much higher. When I am gone, I’d prefer people said I made a positive impact on their life then “he had a lot of toys/money”. The former feels like a much better legacy than the latter.
      Thank you, and I hope the same for you and everyone else!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. We all want to be successful, but we know that true success doesn’t lie in chasing things or following the latest trend.

        Exactly, in the end, people don’t remember what we say. They only remember how we made them feel. So it is much better to make a positive impact on this world than to horde material items.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Well said. At the end of the day I want to leave this rock a bit better than I found it. Or at least try my best to do so. Even if it only makes one life a little better then I think it’s worth it to take the shot.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. friend, you have always had a positive impact on me! i’m sorry for the loss of your friend. life is precious.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. typo. meant *already*

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Thank you very much, Susan. Greatly appreciate the kind words ๐Ÿ˜Š

      Liked by 1 person

  4. […] you as always to Kevin for the cover / featured photo […]

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Iโ€™m so sorry for the loss of your friend Paul ๐Ÿ™ indeed, very fitting with the thoughts of life as the best gift โค๏ธ I will also say, love ๐Ÿฅฐ is another one.

    I feel bad making jokes on this post that youโ€™ve written so beautifully in remembrance but I also have to say uhhh yessss this nurse is coming to cure you of all your ills! ๐Ÿ˜˜ ๐Ÿคช

    Hiking, even better! ๐Ÿ˜ˆ Iโ€™ll see you in the mountains ๐Ÿ˜œ โค๏ธ ๐Ÿฅฐ

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mountains indeed. ๐Ÿ˜˜๐Ÿ’—
      Thank you, and don’t feel bad. Paul had a great sense of humor and I doubt he’d have been offended in the least.
      Please forgive my brevity. I deeply appreciate the words. And you. ๐Ÿ’—

      Like

    2. Now that I am caught up I can reply proper ๐Ÿ˜Š
      You are quite right indeed, m’lady. Life and love are definitely two of the most precious gifts we can ever receive. ๐Ÿ’—
      Sometimes I don’t know if one can exist without the other. I tend to think at the least, one would be quite hollow without the other.
      And again, no worry about the jokes. The true feelings are genuine and greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for this, and for every day. ๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ’—

      Like

  6. I’m so sorry for your loss, Kevin. That was a lovely tribute to him.

    I hate that you have sciatica. How painful!

    You and Laura have fun in the mountains. lol ๐Ÿ™‚

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you very much, Kymber. Most greatly appreciated ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ˜Š

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Sorry to learn about your friend, Kevin. I’m sure Paul thought as highly of you as you did of him. Rest peacefully, Paul. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ

    Slight segue here. Funny thing about being down on your luck; you find out real fast who your true friends are. ๐Ÿ˜•

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Nancy. He was a solid guy indeed.
      Oh, you most certainly do. Like rats trying to get off a sinking ship.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Most welcome, my friend. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    Wonderful Farwell and thankful post

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Christine. ๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Not all who wander are lost Avatar
    Not all who wander are lost

    You are a gift to us

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Sarah. Not feeling much like one lately, but I appreciate that truly. ๐Ÿ™

      Like

      1. Not all who wander are lost Avatar
        Not all who wander are lost

        We all have our levels and the things that bring us down. But hopefully you will always know how much youโ€™re appreciated.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes, I do and I am certainly grateful. It’s my own appreciation of myself that’s usually the sticking point. lol

        Like

  10. I’m so sorry for your loss ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ’•, but glad you have nothing but fond memories!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Kay. Yes, he was a solid guy 100%

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Deepest sympathy

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Alice ๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I’m so sorry about the loss of your good friend. May he rest in peace. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿค

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Phoebe. He was a great guy for sure. ๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Iโ€™m sorry for your loss, Kevin. My condolences.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you very much, M’chel. Greatly appreciated ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Spark of Inspiration Avatar
    Spark of Inspiration

    A very thoughtful message to your friend, Paul. RIP ๐Ÿ™

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much. He was a solid guy, for sure. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Sincere condolences Kevin.
    I am so sorry for your loss.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Maggie. Deeply appreciated. ๐Ÿ˜Š

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Loss is never easy my friend.
        Look after yourself too.๐Ÿ™

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you, Maggie. Yes, I’m doing my best and hanging in there ๐Ÿ˜Š

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Glad to hear it Kevin ๐Ÿค—

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Your post is a beautiful tribute to Paul and a poignant reminder of the fragility and preciousness of life. Itโ€™s clear that he left a lasting impact on you, and your words honor his memory with respect and warmth

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much. He was a fine man indeed. ๐Ÿ™

      Like

  17. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Sorry to hear of your loss, Kevin. Love the image of your mountain abode! ๐Ÿ˜€

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Stephanie. ๐Ÿ™
      I guess I am nothing if not consistent lol

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Sorry to hear of your loss Kevin. A great post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Sharon\. Much appreciated ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

  19. […] – My response from last year still remains the same, however, I would like to add the gift of Life – something we should ultimately […]

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Kevin, sorry for your loss. When friends of 15 years with whom youโ€™ve been so simpatico pass, itโ€™s extremely stressfulโ€ฆboth emotionally and physically. Nobody has any answers. Nobody knows what to say to help. Sometimes the best thing is just silence. Just know that your WP fam is here for you. โค๏ธ๐Ÿ˜ข

    Excellent idea about the mountains and hiking with a nurse. Maybe you and Laura can write it off as a medically necessary bwah bwah (need some creative CPT codes here). ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜Ž

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Darryl. He was a solid guy, 100% and he shall be missed.

      A write off to boot? Sounds cool to me! ๐Ÿ˜„

      Like

  21. Glad that you, besides the bad news of the loss of your friend, are still receiving great gifts! I did not have time to answer the prompt, besides I already wrote in the morning, but definitely, one of my best gifts Iโ€™ve ever had is to have this site and knowing great writers like you, enjoying all what you share. Hope you have a better Sunday, my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Javi and we are blessed to know you as well! ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ‘Š

      Liked by 1 person

      1. ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ

        Like

  22. Sending condolences on the loss of your friend, Paul.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Liz ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Beautifully said. Life is the most precious gift, sorry to hear about your friend Paul๐Ÿ™
    Thanks for sharing this heartfelt reflection itโ€™s a reminder to cherish what we have and the people around us๐Ÿ˜Š
    Have a great day, Kevin!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Daisy. ๐Ÿ™
      I hope you are having a great day as well. ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š

      Liked by 1 person

  24. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

    Like

  25. Kevin, your words are heartfelt and a beautiful tribute to Paul.
    Life truly is the greatest gift, and your gratitude for the blessings youโ€™ve received is inspiring. May his memory always bring warmth and strength.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Professor. He was a fine man, indeed and he shall be missed.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Indeed, Kevin. A truly remarkable person whose wisdom will linger long after he’s gone.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Well said, Philo. Thank you so much ๐Ÿ™

        Liked by 1 person

  26. Sorry to hear about your friend Kevin.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Pennie. ๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

  27. My condolences, Kevin โค

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you very much, Nicole. ๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

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