[ WP ] `` I had the chance to make my life extraordinary . I passed up that chance . ''

`` I had the chance to make my life extraordinary. I passed up that chance.'' 
 
 Those words flowed out of my mouth with ease. As they should; it was a mantra that I repeated every day of my life. But now, they have meaning. Now, they have an audience. 
 
 `` It is difficult to really say when my life took the turn that it had, but it is far too easy to discover the vices I had succumbed to which led me astray. Perhaps it was the drinking, or my introverted behavior, or my futile resistance to the change around me. I could have been great. I could have made my life a life worth living, worth experiencing, worth reliving in my final hours. Instead, I'm filled with regret. I'm filled with the overwhelming dread that I have gone too far, and the realization that there are no second chances. I had the chance to make my life extraordinary. I passed up that chance.'' 
 
 I paused, allowing the effect of my words to sink in. After a few minutes, I resumed. 
 
 `` However, you all have a chance to make a life worth living. Your paths have not yet been set in stone. Your futures, your hopes, your dreams: they are all still obtainable. The world, as they say,'is your oyster.' Please, go and make something of yourselves.'' Having said my peace, I wept. My cries masked the sounds of the machines beeping and whirring, the tears filled my vision preventing me from seeing myself in my hospital gown. My cries continue, only to be interrupted by the sound of my hospital room door opening. 
 
 `` Mr. Avery, is everything alright?'' 
 
 `` Yes dear, I'll be fine. I appreciate your concern. Maybe some fresh air would do me some good.'' 
 
 She smiled, `` Of course! It is a lovely day. I'll grab your wheel chair for you.'' She turned to leave, but paused. `` By the way, who were you talking to, if you do n't mind me asking?'' 
 
 I turned to face the foot of my bed, gazing at the empty space in front of me. 
 
 `` No one, my dear. Just an old man with his thoughts.''
