83-year-old woman writes letter to her friend, and the last line is leaving everyone in tears. Times can be tough and words of wisdom can be very insightful.

An 83-year-old woman wrote a letter to her friend Bertha, but it’s a letter that needs to be shared with everyone around the world. She wrote:

“Dear Bertha,

I read more and dust less.

I sit on the patio and admire the view without worrying about the weeds in the garden.

I spend more time with family and friends and less time working.

Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to be enjoyed, not endured.

Now I try to recognize these moments and appreciate them.

I don’t ‘cure’ anything; we use our fine china and crystal for any special event such as weight loss, the opening of the sink or the first amaryllis flower.

I wear my best jacket to the market. My theory is that if I look prosperous, I can pay $28.49 for a small bag of groceries.

I don’t save my good perfume for special occasions, I wear it for hardware store clerks and bank tellers.

“Someday” and “one of these days” are losing control of my vocabulary. If it’s worth seeing, hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.

I’m not sure what others would have done if they knew they wouldn’t be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted. I think they would invite family and some close friends. They may have called some former friends to apologize and make amends for past quarrels. I like to think they would go out for Chinese dinner or whatever their favorite dish is. I suppose; I will never know

Those little things left undone would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I didn’t write some letters I wanted to write one of these days. I’m sorry and sorry that I didn’t tell my husband and parents often how much I love them.

I try very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and sparkle to our lives.

And every morning when I open my eyes I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath is truly a gift.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we can dance.”