Life Lessons from a 71-Year-Old’s Journey: What My Colleague’s Death Taught Me
Introduction
The other day, one of my colleagues, one of the great people, had died at about seventy-one. He had no underlying health problems, was reasonably wealthy and exercised nearly daily. But a misstep turned fatal and took his life.
His passing shook me deeply. It wasn’t just the loss of a beautiful person and the awareness that life’s fragility recognizes no one; it was the loss of an anchor, a person whose very presence reminds you not to take the everyday trivialities of life too seriously.
As I reflected on his life, I learned that it is packed with lessons, life lessons so powerful that they would benefit not just me but anyone —literally anyone — who wants to live a meaningful life.
He didn’t have the profile of a celebrity or public figure, but his experience offers life lessons that resonate with everyone.
So today, I want to share with you five potential life lessons all of us can learn from his story—lessons that can even alter the course of your life.
Life Lesson 1: Live the Life You Love: You Are Fragile, So Enjoy What You Have
Life is unpredictable. So please, soak up the seconds; they go by in the blink of an eye, and we often overlook the little things. We always have time to tell someone we love them, to pursue what we love, or to be with the people we care about the most.
Now, let’s take a look at Princess Diana. Her life, a combination of humanitarian work and sympathy, abruptly ended at 36 years old, causing worldwide shock.
Her story reminds us that even when not super-heroic, there is no such thing as a tomorrow for the biggest of personalities.
Closer to home, how often do we procrastinate on something as simple as talking to our parents or hugging our children, saying “tomorrow”? The reminder in this man’s death is that tomorrow is not promised.
Above all, take time each day to be grateful for the little things: sharing a laugh with a friend, the beauty of a sunset, the taste of your morning coffee.
“If you live each day as if it were your last, someday, you’ll most certainly be right.” — Steve Jobs Live fully today.
This is a great life lesson!
Life Lesson 2: Aging Is Inescapable, So How You Live Is Up to You
Everyone grows old; it is the form of handling that makes us. This 71-year-old is not going to hold age against him. His life was entirely of intention, seeking out passions and new experiences.
Take Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC. He started a worldwide empire at 65, teaching us the life lesson that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Similarly, actor Morgan Freeman didn’t rise to prominence until his 50s, and now he is one of the most celebrated names in Hollywood.
This man’s story hits a familiar chord: Age is just a number. Whether you are 20 or 70, today is the best time to live a life of purpose.
Don’t allow a fear of ageing to prevent you from seeking those things that sustain you. It’s always a good time to live intentionally and try new things.
Life Lesson 3: Relationships Are Everything
When people reflect on their lives, they rarely mention money, fame or praise. Instead, they remember the relationships they forged — those they laughed with, cried with and built their lives with.
Consider Mahatma Gandhi. He shaped the world — not through wealth or power but through his extraordinary relationships with people and the love he radiated.
Yes, similar to Mr. Rogers (Fred Rogers), who formed real and lasting bonds with children and adults through television.
The death of this 71-year-old man from the condition teaches us a great life lesson that we should treasure our loved ones.
How often do we let work or the daily grind separate us from the ones we love? Instead of chasing unrealistic goals, make time to converse with your family, stay in touch with your friends, and work on your relationships.
Remember, when you die, no matter where you stand in life, no one will remember what car you drove or what consulting you did. They’ll remember how you made them feel.
Life Lesson 4: Resilience Is What Will Get You Through the Tough Times
This man had been through — the language of 12-step programs — “a lot of adversities,” lost opportunities, severed relationships, crack and other drugs. Yet he also distinguished himself with his toughness.
Think of Oprah Winfrey, who, as a tiny child, endured unprecedented trials of growing up in violence and poverty. But she rose to become one of the world’s most influential figures. Or consider Thomas Edison, who failed 1,000 times before creating the light bulb. When asked about his mistakes, he said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work.”
Resilience is not the absence of struggle; it is the ability to have struggles and to get back up each time you fall. Life will smack you in the face — that’s a given fact. How you choose to get up will define you.
Think of Examples that Even the Greatest Have to Go Through— You Do, Too. As you hit hard times, think of a time that even top achievers must go through. What you’ve been through is not vain: Take heart, and carry on.
Life Lesson 5: Legacy Is Built in the Small Moments
When we think about legacy, we often imagine fame or outstanding achievement. However, a real legacy is created in daily details.
Mother Teresa didn’t build a legacy by getting wealthy; she built it by performing a million small acts of kindness—caring for the sick, comforting the dying, and loving the unloved.
Abraham Lincoln’s legacy is not only based on his presidency but also on his character and how his humble engagement with people inspired those around him.
The life lesson this man has taught us is that a true legacy lies in the people who love you, the kindness you show, and the memories you leave behind when you are gone.
It’s how you approach our fellow man, the goodwill you send into the world, and the connections you nurture.
You can make an impact on someone’s heart. By starting your day with a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand, you can determine what legacy you leave behind.
Final Thoughts
These five life lessons help us remember what is truly important:
“Life is so valuable — cherish every moment.
Ageing is the only way to defeat death—make it good.
Thus, relationships are the keys to happiness.
If you are more resilient, you get to be above.
Kindness is the impression we leave behind.
Draw inspiration from this man’s journey — and from the lives of others who lived boldly and with love and passion. Begin now — because now is when life is happening.
As the poet Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
So go out there. Live fully. Love deeply. And leave a legacy that matters.”
Thank you.
