What's really valuable in life

A while back, I helped a friend move his grandmother into an assisted living apartment. She didn't have much, so it didn't take long. As we opened the door to say goodbye, I looked back into her room. She had a single bed, rocking chair, tiny desk, small TV, two lamps and an antique loveseat. After a full and vibrant life, that's about all she had left. In closing the door, I noticed she'd already placed her slippers next to the bed, and her family scrapbook was proudly displayed on her desk. Judging from the thickness of the scrapbook and her pleasant manner, I'd guess she had some beautiful memories. Funny how we spend a lifetime gathering stuff. We buy a big-screen TV, then a bigger one and another. To keep up with our friends, the Joneses, and anyone who drives by and beeps their horns, we empty our pockets and drain our bank books on faster cars, higher fences, and deeper swimming pools. Before we can look in the mirror and say, "Whoa, I'm getting a few gray hairs," we find ourselves wading through a household of meaningless clutter and future rubble. Here's what one young lady needed in life as her body ached and her mind sought peace: She rested on her hospital bed, knowing cancer was working hard to silence her last breath. What did she ask for each night, knowing it could be her last? She wanted to listen to stories from "Chicken Soup for the Soul," a book filled with inspiring short stories written to soothe the mind and provide comfort to the soul. That's it. Nothing more. As the book was opened, she'd smile, close her eyes, and quietly listen to a story about hope, courage, or triumph. The look on her face was peaceful and calm. Her smile confirmed she was completely satisfied with what the story had to offer. Throughout her life, she was frugal with her money, spending it wisely on things that really matter in life: her home, her family, their education and quality time with friends and loved ones. Her closets were never too full, her furniture was never too expensive, and the cost of her cars always fit perfectly into her family budget. Sure, she rewarded herself with a few frills, but she was wise enough to fill her life with more meaningful and less expensive "stuff:" her time, her efforts and her love. Her biggest want, now that life was slipping away, wasn't much more than another day, another hour and another inspiring story from a book that cost about $14.95. She needed no wall-sized TVs, no high fences or deep swimming pools. She knew her greatest gift was nothing more than a strong and steady pulse. So the next time we look in the mirror and notice a little gray, we'd be well served to forget about the "stuff" that fills our closets, our shoe racks and our backyard patios. Perhaps we should spend more time worrying about the priceless gifts of family and friends. Because when all is said and done, all we'll really need is a thick scrapbook full of beautiful memories, a pleasant manner and about $14.95. Tony Legando is a lifelong educator, a hall-of-fame football coach and author of "To Lead a Good Life" and "Fables for Young Leaders." He is also a public speaker who has inspired leaders for many years. Check out his website at tonylegando.com or contact him at legandot@gmail.com.