In 1840, a 68 year old man decided he would run for the President of the United States. Despite his age, he had a rich political background as the governor of Indiana and an officer at the Battle of Tippecanoe, in which he defeated Native Americans in the old Northwest territory. Though his experience spoke for itself, he was still criticized for his age. In response, he decided to embrace the insults. He and his Vice President, John Tyler, would use the campaign slogan, “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too,” appealing to the masses and ultimately winning the presidency against Martin Van Buren that year.
The man’s name was William Henry Harrison, and he was the oldest president to be elected at the time. Unfortunately for Harrison, he developed a cold that turned into pneumonia and died in office on April 3rd, 1841, just a few months after becoming commander in chief. Tyler would take over as the country's leader, and Harrison, despite his father being one of the men who signed the Declaration and his grandson becoming the 23rd president, would become largely forgotten in U.S. history. Though in many ways he lived a full life, Harrison was never able to see the fruits of his presidency. We will never know if he would have been successful or not, because at 68, he lost his chance.
I’m struck by the story of William Henry Harrison. To me, it reminds me of our lack of control on this earth - that our last moment could be at any moment. We never know what life will bring us, and this brevity is what makes it precious. It’s these moments when we realize the gift of life that we have, and we do things we want to do, love those around us, and seek to make the world a better place. There’s countless songs and stories of this, because there’s nothing that can put your life in perspective than to know that your days are numbered. If you’re a country music fan, you think of songs like Tim McGraw’s Live Like You Were Dying, an inspiring story of a man who made the most of his last days skydiving and rocky mountain climbing.
But the reality is we that might not get a countdown. Like President Harrison, the most unlikely of circumstances could propel us to the end. It’s up to us, then, to make the most of our life right now. Dream big about what you want to do, who you want to be with, and how you want to make your mark, no matter how small. You don’t have to be 68 years old, you just need a perspective that helps you live your life to the fullest.
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