“The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.” Omar Khayyám

We watched the funeral of Senator John McCain. Lofty words were said, memories recalled and lessons offered. His life was a myriad of confrontations, consolations and commitments. But, in reality, each life is mingled with much of the same. From my meager beginning in East Nashville to my current residence in Bellevue, there have been many people, places and things that have had a major influence on my life and the same can be said of you.

I remember when the skyline of Nashville was dominated by the Capitol Building. Now it looks like the New York City skyline. Buildings are so closely built and dominate the skyline; it appears that they touch each other. The city has expanded to link communities that once seemed far removed from each other. Along with that growth, our lives have also expanded. Think back on your life with me. Think about what influences have brought you to this moment in time. My education began at Lockeland Elementary School, then to East Nashville Junior High School, East Nashville Senior High School, David Lipscomb College (University) and Middle Tennessee State University. Each school molded my life and each school provided friendships that will never be forgotten. I was blessed with dedicated teachers at each school. Their influence and guidance helped mold me and I am grateful. I also had the wonderful opportunity to be an Accounting teacher at Middle Tennessee State University and Lipscomb University with some classes taught at Nashville State Technical Institute, University of Tennessee at Nashville and Tennessee State University. Many of the people I have taught remain good friends.

I have learned that people, not things, are the most important components of our lives. Good times, bad times and sad times, make us the people we have become. Through bad and sad times we learn to console those whose lives have been invaded by sorrow, just as we have been consoled by others who helped us through such times. Happy times teach us to share good feelings and encouragement even when the bad and sad times invade. “We should rejoice with those who rejoice and morn with those who mourn.” That is Biblical.

Life is the zenith of Taxing Matters. How shall we live it? What will be the legacy we leave when we are no longer here? Each day is a stone in the monument of our existence. What will be said about our lives? Start now to cultivate friends and family who care and give them reasons to love you. Also, as Yogi Berra said, “You should always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise, they won’t come to yours.”

For more information, call Wilson & Wilson, PC, CPA, CFE at 615-673-1330 or email jim@ wilsonandwilsoncpa.com