Regret on Death Bed -2

Yesterday we discussed the regret number one. Today we will be discussing the regret number two from the book.

People often work hard till their last day of life on this planet. Often end up spending less time with family members. The author has narrated the details of one of her patients, John, who was a hard working person. He was in his nineties.

After his children were settled, his wife, Margaret requested her to take retirement as they had enough savings. Margaret has long waited for this moment to travel round the world. But John was occupied in his work. He didn’t like his job much but got addicted to close deal after deal. Additionally, the role gave him a status among the friends and society.

He took Margaret for granted and continued working for next fifteen years. Meanwhile Margaret continued to request him and brought up the matter at dinning table every now and then. Finally he accepted that he will work just 12 more months and would take the retirement. Margaret was so happy that day. He started planning and taking calls with travel agent and keep John posted. But destiny had other things. Margaret suddenly became ill and was taken to hospital. Some tests were done, which confirmed Margaret was dying. We never know what will happen next. John had to live with this deep regret, “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard”. It is more important to balance out life. He didn’t mean we shouldn’t work hard but it’s equally important to spend time with loved ones. Obviously we need money for survival but money is never enough. The hunger of more is always there.

There was another patient named Charlie, whose son Greg was too a hard working person but was unhappy. The reason about being unhappy was that he was trying to proof that he was worthy and was seeking his approval from his dad. Charlie thought the other way. He assumed that his son already knew how much he loved. Later, when Charlie spoke to his son that how much he loved him and was happy that he was successful. Tears rolled from Greg’s eyes and the moment completely transformed him. Deep down don’t we too seek for someone’s approval? Don’t we keep trying to proof?