A Day Worth Living

Today is a special day—one that I always mark in my personal calendar with deep gratitude.

***

K and I were in the same university class. Back then, we weren’t among the top students—in fact, we were sometimes seen as a bit of an odd pair.

As we grew closer, I realized how much we had in common. We shared unspoken burdens about family, the complexities of love, a longing for freedom, and even a deep affection for cats.

About four years ago, K returned home after completing a master’s program abroad. With an infectious excitement, K told me how they had finally found the freedom they had always been searching for. K was thrilled about boxing lessons, happy with a new job, and full of life.

And then, not long after, during a routine health check, K was diagnosed with a serious illness.

The treatment process was difficult, but K never gave up. Whenever we visited, K only showed us optimism—talking about plans for tomorrow, sharing laughter, and living joyfully with their beloved cats.

Until one morning, on this very day last year, K didn’t wake up. At least, not in this finite, physical world.

***

I often wonder: what makes a day meaningful? Is it something we only recognize at the end of the day, when we look back and reflect on whether we lived it well?

Thinking of K, I have a different answer:

“A day is worth living as long as I can wake up and truly appreciate everything around me.”

***

Sending love to you, my dear friend.