What Do You Think Is the Meaning of Your Life?

Recently, I went on the internet and searched for “How old is the earth?” The best answer available, as of now, is that the earth is 4.3 billion years old, give or take 50 million years.

It really jolts you into thinking about the significance of your life. Hopefully, for you, it will be 80 or 90 years. The second jolt came in church recently, when a priest was giving a sermon and said, “If you are over 50, you are on the back nine.”

Looking back on my life, on my own initiative, I developed a good work ethic that was passed on to my five children, making me proud of each of them and the adults they have become. I was always for the underdog. I was fair in my dealings with people and employees. I was honest, reliable, and law-abiding. In my later years, I came across a phrase—pay it forward—which I did when I could.

I have been a mentor to a wonderful lady from Venezuela. Her name is Ana. Ana is my housekeeper. Her mother taught her how to clean, and Ana really enjoys cleaning, and she does a great job. Ana talked about starting her own cleaning business. I drove Ana around River Isles and two neighboring communities, Spicewood and Fernwood. I said, “Ana, you can have a nice business just in these three communities.” I asked, “Ana, do you want to go for it?” She said yes.

I sent out two mailings, and Ana now has over 17 customers and, at this time, does not want any more. This might surprise you—women talk to other women—and Ana has had to turn down customers. I set up a set of books and keep track of Ana’s receipts for her.

I can’t think of any enemies I have made. My wife, Ann, and I had a song that summed up our approach to life. The song was, “Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.” Looking back, that sums up my life.