What Did You Like Best?

by Thomas Martin

In the 1998 movie City of Angels, Nicholas Cage plays the angel, Seth, who meets and escorts the souls of those who have just died to their final destination.  In the first scene of the movie, it is a young girl he escorts.  As they are walking, Seth asks the girl, “What did you like best?” The implication being, about her human life.  

I’ve often thought about this question, what do I “like best” in my life, what have I enjoyed the most.  Wow, to be honest, there are almost too many things to even consider.   I have led a very blessed life, one of many paths and opportunities.  I have had my share of disappointments and crises, but most of it has been, by choice and attitude, wonderful. 

So, here is a short list of things I began considering for the title of what I “liked best.”

1.       A warm, loving family extended family.  A mother and grandmother so soft, loving and beautiful that they could assuage and heal wounds of both the body and the soul.

2.       Travel.  I have seen and experienced much of the world, savoring the people, their cultures and most especially, their food.   I have been from China, to Cambodia, Vietnam, the Virgin Islands, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, The Netherlands, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.    I cannot think of France without thinking of Ernest Hemingway’s book A Moveable Feast and especially his description of eating oysters while enjoying a glass of cold, crisp, white wine. 

3.       Falling in Love.  Yes, I met the great love of my life when I was 24 years old.  Although it did not result in marriage, we have remained friends for over 40 years and I am still deeply in love with her.

4.       Dogs.  I grew up with a German Shepherd as my best friend and my love for dogs, and especially shepherds, has never changed.  As an adult, I have not only been able to have and love my own dogs, I have been able to work with Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), an organization which breeds, raises, and trains dogs to help persons with any disability other than vision.  Not only do I know personally how dogs can change lives, now I get to watch these dogs help others.  Probably number 2 of what I liked best is sitting on a lawn with a litter of puppies jumping up on me each looking for attention.  That is a very close number 2. 

5.       Career.  Although I seemed to almost randomly fall into my career of computer software, it was extremely satisfying work.  I had the opportunity to define a business problem, design the solution, create the program, test it, install it and watch the end user discover how much easier and faster they could accomplish their tasks. 

6.        Friends.  Over the last ten years, I have struggled with heart failure and have been through three open-heart surgeries and spent a total of about 1 year of the last 10 in hospitals.  I have been overwhelmed by the love and support I have received from family and friends as I have gone through these trials.  It is amazing to see myself as unworthy of their love and yet they seem to love me anyway.

7.       The opportunity to give and do for others.   In joining and participating with various charitable organizations, I have been able to help others overcome adversity and hopefully thrive in their lives.  This includes meeting with patients who also have heart failure and are facing the same life-changing decisions that I had to face.  I have also written books and speak on health issues that can be successfully addressed through dietary changes. 

8.       Sailing.  There is something about being on a sailboat on the ocean that is so freeing, relaxing, and invigorating.  I remember the first time I was on a sailboat and the owner offered to let me take the helm.  As I stood there holding the wheel in my hands, the wind at my face, gently cutting through the surf, I was smiling from ear to ear.   Another seasoned sailor aboard the boat looked at me and said, “It’s better than sex, isn’t it?”   I paused and replied, “I don’t know that it is better, but it sure as hell lasts longer!”

                                                                                                                                                                

But it was one day, watching a movie when I realized what it was I really liked best.  I have not been blessed with a family or children of my own, but have been blessed with a wonderful extended family and especially three nephews (and now their children).  

What I like best is when a child is about 2 years old, they are able to walk and have the funny little run they all seem to have, and when they know and trust you.   What I like (love) best is when they see you, come running toward you with their arms reaching up and you reach down, pick them up and they tightly wrap their arms around your neck, holding you close.   

Yes, absolutely, that is what I like best.  

 Copyright © 2020, Thomas Martin, All Rights Reserved