Mario: Such a rich description and fun to read in that format.

My favorite paragraph: "What is the most important lesson life has taught you?"

"In the grand scheme of things we’re this insignificant particle in the firmament. Yet, each of us has a unique personality that allows us to achieve feats that, though not great in that grand scheme of things, contribute to our and each other’s well-being. Just saying hello with a smile to someone else on the street could make that difference. We’re all born with two languages: our mother tongue and a smile; the latter needs no translation."

That ties with your mentioning learning to love fully!

"And the third achievement has been to rediscover the capacity to love. To love fully, intensely, passionately, with both mind and body, without fear or hang-ups." What a feat.

Congrats on this honest, sometimes humorous, and richly textured but clearly spoken article.