本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛两年前离开了住了五年多的密西沙加，来到了多伦多北部的一个小镇。　在圣诞平安夜晚１２点过后，揣着４０封圣诞贺卡，象做贼一样，把贺卡放入两条街每家的邮筒中，有好几家有狗和声控灯，更是吓得撒丫子就跑。I took my breath away by myself. 吓的。　第二天回家，岳母说有好几家人向她极兴奋的打招呼。。。　　

第一次看到这句话，是有一年ＮＢＡ总决赛，记者采访Pat Riley 时，他的引用："Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." 很喜欢，就像当年喜欢“生命中的大多数时光都是在对过去美好事物的回忆和对未来美好事物的憧憬中度过”一样。在2001.9.11后广为流传，说是9.11中丧妻的一人所写，以讹传讹。真正出处是来自Dr. Bob Moorehead的一本书： <<Words Aptly Spoken>> 。　其中我最喜欢这段：We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.　We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.

估计这辈子再也不会去做半夜撒卡的事，我要做更好的事情。

附：（当年广为流传的片断）

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, over-weight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.


晚安。。。



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