Life is too short, too unpredictable, too fragile to take anything for granted. I have learned this the hard way recently.
I used to scoff at those telling me to take the time to smell that flower, admire that view, appreciate that instant.
The only thing we truly own on this Earth is time, and even this gift can be withdrawn at any moment. Fate is indeed a cruel mistress, and at times a vindictive one as well.
Experience the sunset. Smell the sea breeze, touch that rock. Weep for those who no longer can.
Everything is ephemeral.
When we cease to exist, so do those precious sensations, or at least our ability to experience them which is much the same thing.
Our perceptions and memories die with us, but they are only valid for us anyway.
What we perceive is only valid as a reality for as long as we have a reality to perceive. When we stop, our perception ceases, our validity stops. Life carries on without us as a passenger.