You could imagine how I felt that night, lying on the bed and not daring to shut my eyes. For I knew, as soon as I fell asleep, that angel would come again… And take me away, away from this world which had been so nice to me, while I didn’t even bother to be thankful for it. “Tell me how you feel right now.” Gosh, wasn’t that the voice of the angel who was going to take me to Heaven? My heart sped up instantly. “Tell me, my child, what have you learned today?” I took a very deep breath. “I learned that I have been a very unthankful person for a long time. My parents, my teachers, my classmates and the whole world were so nice to me and, and I didn’t even bother to say thank you — not even once. ‘Cause I always thought that there would be time, that it would never be too late. But now I’ve realized I was wrong. I couldn’t decide when to come to this world, and I couldn’t decide when to leave. So, not only do I have to be thankful for everything, but also I have to let them know. Because I never know when God could take it all from me…” I could feel the angel staring at me for what seemed like a century. Then he opened his mouth again. “Very well. Since you’ve now realized your mistake and are willing to correct it, I see no reason why I shall take you away from a world you love sincerely. But, child, let this be your motto and always keep it in your heart: Be thankful for everything, because you love it — or lose it.” Just like last time, with the flash of a beam of blinding light, the angel was suddenly nowhere to be seen. “Wake up, dear! You don’t want to be late for school, do you?” “Mom? Yeah… I had a dream last night. A long dream…” “Dreams, dreams, dreams! A dreamful girl you are, indeed! Get up now. Tuna sandwiches are waiting for you — freshly made!” This was a real dream I had when I was in the second semester of grade five in primary school. I’m writing it out here, not only to share my personal experience, but also to share that motto of mine: Be thankful for everything — you love it or lose it. | 