Friday Reflections

The time that is here may not be tomorrow

Point to Ponder:

“Most important thing though, if you love someone, tell him or her, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store. Remember, tomorrow is promised to no one.” - Walter Payton, one of the top ten American football players of all time.

REFLECTION: from "Never Die Easy", the autobiography of Walter Payton. His final message before he died of liver disease at the age of 45.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have a right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you. You can make your life anything you wish. I hope my story is at least the example of that. Create your own life and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

Most important thing though, if you love someone, tell him or her, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store. Remember, tomorrow is promised to no one.                                

Story Line: The time that is here may not be tomorrow

This week I lost a good friend and former colleague to liver cancer at a young age. He was a kind, loving and devoted family man. At work he was confident, professional and dedicated company man. He loved his work, family and hosted group Christmas parties in the warmth of his home with his courteous friendly family members. I have many fond memories of our time at work, our travels, our shoot the breeze sessions and practical things that I learnt for him.

In my last visit to hospital with another friend, he recounted some funny moments from our workdays and we all laughed. He asked about our families, work associates and not once talked about his situation that he was fully aware of. His life is an example of what is said in the Reflection section of this article.

Following Indian Song (English translation) beautifully covers the message of the Reflection. Applies to any relationship.

Moment that is here

 

 

 

Should not have gotten rid of that snake in the first place.

Originally Published on March 3, 2011. Update at the bottom of the document.

Points to Ponder:

All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does it to himself. Chief Seattle/Ted Perry

Sometimes certain jobs/roles in organizations are deemed “less critical” or “not as important” by some people. They are taken for granted without a sound understanding of their place in overall business eco-system. Here is a story from nature that gives some clues to organization leaders and managers.

Cast Of Characters: Zena Doolittle *(Dog), Herron, Snake and Frogs with Koi as bystanders.

 Story Line:

A week ago, my wife and I heard some noises in the backyard. My wife thought it was a frog. We wondered where it came from until yesterday, when the guy who built our pond had called in for a casual chat and I mentioned this strange sound. He told me that the noise was tiny frogs that come in early spring and disappear in May timeframe. He emphasized, “They are part of a healthy eco-system around the fish pond.”

Now a few days later, we got many frogs. It seems that they are multiplying faster than the population of India and China. And now we have one big musical ensemble going on in our backyard. So far I am enjoying the musical (I must be, since I am writing this story at 3:33 AM) but my neighbor who is really sensitive to any kind of noise is not going to be happy. And this time I am helpless. It is Nature’s way.
 
In the past, my dog Zena Doolittle* used to bark around 10 AM. Since the neighbor sleeps late, he asked for a reprieve - and I told Zena to hold barking till noon. She complied, but I do not know any tricks to stop frogs from conducting their seasonal opera.

Now there is this heron that comes in to get the frogs. Zena is very territorial so she goes after the heron and between their chases, the frogs escape harm free.

So, two evenings ago, I asked Zena to go after those culprits (frogs). But she wouldn’t do it. She had an attitude like it was not her job, or the job was too low level (not glory ones like going after heron). This was a case of outright subordination - but I was helpless because, for now, I need her for other jobs. So I tried a trick. I threw the ball in the direction of songs that excited Zena to chase the ball and the frogs seem to quiet down. But it was a short term solution (band aid) because frogs returned to the stage after a few minutes, and I cannot throw ball all night long.

I have one big circus going on in my backyard every day. Such is an irony of nature.

I shared this story with well meaning friends and I have already gotten many suggestions for solving this problem some of which are in the blog section of this article.

 Reflection:

Last summer when I was watering around the pond, I met a strange character. It was a garter snake. I told him that he did not belong in my backyard (not valued). I went to get a stick and a box. He must have seen it coming. By the time I returned with the exit package he was gone.

Now thinking deeper about the whole issue, I realize that if that snake was around, the frogs would not be around too long or won’t make their presence felt loudly as they do now.  As the manager of this pond eco-system I failed to realize the role and importance of each party and broke the strand.

Alas! I should not have gotten rid of that Snake in the first place.

(Update April 5, 2018: After that learning we have accepted Garden Snakes as a part of our extended family and the eco-system is well balanced with Dragon Flies, Mocking birds, Humming Birds, Doves, Ravens, Sparrows, Butteflies, OPossam, Cats and squirrels and no more Frogs.....)

 * We got Zena from Berkeley Humane Society.  During the reference check, the Veterinarian in her English accent told us “she has no manners at all. You have your work cut out Mr. Shah.” So we lengthened her name to Zena Doolittle and I was given responsibility to convert her to well mannered lady (pet).