truer words have never been said

BP’s Last Message

            This message was found among BP’s papers, after his death on January 8^th, 1941 :-

“Dear Scouts,

            If you have ever seen the play “Peter Pan”, you will remember how the pirate chief was always making his dying speech because he was afraid that possibly, when the time came for him to die, he might not have time to get it off his chest. It is much the same with me and so although I a not at this moment dying, I shall be doing so one of these days and I want to send you a parting work of ‘Good Bye’.

            Remember, this it the last you will hear from me, so think it over.

            I have had a most happy life and I want each one of you to have as happy a life too. I believe God put us into this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness doesn’t come from being rich, nor merely being successful in your career, nor self indulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy so that you can be useful and so can enjoy life when you are a man.

            Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have and make the best of it. Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one.

            But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try to leave this world a little better than when you found it, and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate, you have not wasted your time, but have done your best. “Be Prepared” in this way, to live happy and to die happy. Stick to your “Scout Promise” always - - even though you have ceased to be a boy - - and God help you do it.”

                                                                                                   (signed)

                                                                                                Your friend,

                                                                                    (Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell)

hmmm

Jeremy had to step quickly to catch up with her.

“Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

            She opened the main door and hesitated. “Not at all,” she said, her expression unchanged.

            “Why were you in the cemetery today?”

            Instead of answering, she simply stared at him, her expression the same.

            “I mean, I was just wondering,” Jeremy continued.

“I got the impression that few people head out there these days.”

            Still she said nothing, and in the silence, Jeremy grew curious, then finally comfortable.

            “Aren’t you going to say anything?” he asked.

            She smiled and, surprising him, winked before moving through the open doorway. “I said you could ask, Mr. Marsh. I didn’t say that I would answer.”

            As she strode ahead of him, all Jeremy could do was stare. Oh, she was something, wasn’t she? Confident and beautiful and charming all at once, and that was after she’d shot down the idea of going on a date.