Yesterday, my colleague Dave Carter and I where invited to a Uruguayan barbecue at the Estancia, Florida, Home of Edgardo Irigaray.
Mi Amigo
The farm home was beautiful, the indoor barbecue unbelievable.
The indoor barbecue lamb on the right and beef on the left from Edgardo’s backyard
Dave entertained a Uruguayan who’s who of the State of Florida — as well as dignitaries like governors and ambassadors who were in attendance for the feast — with his knowledge of beef and bison. Many were intrigued with the bison.
My Colleague Dave Carter talking with Edgardo about different types of pasture on a beautiful Florida day.
Through out the day, I couldn’t help but watch how congenial Edgardo was. He smiled, laughed, poured scotch, drank scotch. Laughed some more, smiled more, patted people on the back again, laughing out loud—
I couldn’t help looking at him — this man is special, I thought. It was as if the 20 or so people where perfectly orchestrated for Edgardo — and he was loving every minute of it.
Dave, Edgardo and Dr. Alvaro Talking Before Our Feast
When we sat down for lunch, I was fortunate to be only one seat away from Edgardo. Since he was at the head of the table, I could see him straight on. I was intrigued with this happy, smiling, magical, almost budda-like individual. He was laughing and making sure everyone at the table had fun. And plenty of Uruguayan Tannat.
The Feast
I kept saying to myself, wow, look at that twinkle in his eye, look how happy this man is. I wondered, is it because he is one of the largest land owners and cattle growers in Uruguay? Or is it that he has all of his influential friends here? I was just so intrigued.
The Feast
Keep in mind, he was talking a mile a minute. It was very difficult to understand what he was saying. But, it didn’t matter. He was spreading joy, he was spreading cheer and laughing and having a great time. We were all having a great time!
Eventually, I just wanted to know where the bright light of this man’s joyous spirit came from. I was just happy to be next to him, enjoying the fellowship and fun of the evening.
A man named Dr. Alvaro, who was seated next to me, spoke some english. So I asked Him to ask Edgardo what gives him such a bright and joyful spirit. I asked Alvaro to tell him how much I was enjoying being in his presence.
When Alvaro asked him, Edgardo looked at me, (and suddenly shrank slightly lower than me) and said in perfect english — “I have less than a year to live, I have bone cancer!” Then Alvaro started talking about Edgardo going to the Mayo Clinic.
That part of the conversation became just background noise to me. The only thing I could think about was one thing — I want to start living today, every day, like I am dying.
Thank you, Edgardo, for teaching me that valuable lesson. Each day, as I live my life, I will live as if today is my last day. And I will think of you.
God Bless–
Anthony