[ FF ] `` My greatest mistake was thinking that being alive was the same as living . ''

He was not much longer for this world. He'd been on Earth for quite some time now, and he knew it was his time to go. His wife was already waiting for him and though he hated leaving his son's behind, he was so ready to be with the love of his life again. But still with his dying breathe, he told his sons to lean in and listen, to his final words. 
 
 `` Boys, it's my time. You've both been very strong through all this. Before I go I want you to listen to me. Though I had a good life, it was n't everything it could have been. I let opportunities go by, I never took chances. Why, I've never left this State. If there is anything I can tell you before I go it's this: LIVE. Take risks, do new things, travel. I do n't regret a moment of my life. I met your mother, the love of my life. I had you boys and you've all made me so proud. But there are still some things I wished I would've done.'' 
 
 
 He went quiet. His sons leaned in. He took a deep breath and spoke as he exhaled. 
 
 
 `` My greatest mistake was thinking that being alive was the same as living.'' 
 
 
 With that, he shut his eyes and began his first journey outside his home state. 

