I was listening to the radio in the car yesterday, the show "A Splendid Table" was on NPR. One of the segments was an essay written by a guy who learned the hard way. I know I am guilty of this, and thought perhaps some of you are too. Hence, I'm posting this to encourage you to drink your good wine (scotch, bourbon, etc) and smoke your good cigars.

On his wedding day he and his bride were given a bottle of Chateau Margaux 1978 burgundy. They decided to save the special wine for a special occasion. Various "normal" life events transpired in their lives; the birth of a couple of children, various wedding anniversaries, the publication of his first book, etc. None of these seemed worthy of the bottle of 1978 Margaux. The bottle awaited the "right" occasion.

Fast forward 20 years, and the author's bride developed brain cancer, and died within an half-year.

At some point following her untimely death, he happened upon the bottle of 1978 Margaux. It was never to be drank upon a special occasion in their lives together.

The author, trying to bring some value to the unfortunate situation, passed the bottle on to another young couple, with instructions to drink the wine. Unfortunately, the young couple discovered that the bottle had soured, and the wine was now undrinkable.

So, for what it's worth from a relative stranger, be sure to find things to celebrate in your life. Is it an "unimportant" wedding anniversary? Celebrate. Kid got strong grades in school? Celebrate. Boss gave you an "attaboy" at work? Celebrate. You never know when life is going to take a bad turn. Break out the good wine, old scotch, and special cigars.

As such, for absolutely no reason other than that it's a beautiful evening, I'm going to smoke a WOAM I've been saving for a special occasion, and think of the many blessings I have in my life.
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Well said... and good advice. Life is a gift, and I believe it should be celebrated. Think I will pour a little Zaya Rum I have been sitting on for a while. :-)
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You are right. :-)
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Good advice indeed. I am often guilty of this. As my best friend often says, "Ya can't take it with ya when your gone!"
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Great story, and good words to live by. Thanks for sharing.
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You just did that, drank the wine, and shared the smoke...by passing along this advice.

Be advised your recommendation is well taken.
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Someone posted a similar story one day on Club Stogie.
He and his brother in law were cigar buddies.
To keep a long serious story short,the BIL was always bugging the guy to smoke two special cigars he was saving for them.Well for the worst of reasons,he was never able to share those fine cigars with his BIL.
So yes Warren,I agree wholeheartedly.
Enjoy those moments now.
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Neither are for storing.
Neither are for a special occasion.
Every day is a special occasion by virtue of not being six feet under.
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Sage words.
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I'm guilty for doing the same thing!

Thanks for the reminder, Warren!!!:-)
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As a wise BOTL once told me (regarding special/rare cigars), I'd rather say "I've smoked one" instead of "I have one". :-)

Thanks for the reminder Warren. Every day is worth celebrating. It is a gift to be savored and cherished.
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Done and done. Eat some good food while your a it. As for women...
Well, don't get carried away. Really.
Life IS good!
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I'm finding this out now as my life is starting to turn sour.....
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Absolutely true Warren, all of it. I always say an occassion can become special just by virtue of a good cigar and a good friend. Smoke them, share them, enjoy them.
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As far as I'm concerned either an amazing bottle of wine or scotch, or an incredible cigar, constitute a celebration in itself. Drink it and smoke it when it's good, and you have the time. Celebrate every day you spend with your family and friends like it's your last.
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I completely agree Warren. For me, the epiphany was when a friend on another cigar board was killed in a car accident a little over 2 years ago. It was a reminder that life is fragile and that you never know when your time's up. Any occasion is special enough, as long as I have time to smoke the whole stick. There are only 2 spreific sticks the are "special occasion" sticks for me. I have 3 left of the ones I gave out when my son was born, and those will be smoked when he graduates from high school, and then I smoke a Fuente WOAM every year on my mom's birthday to celebrate her life (she passed away 3 years ago this past April). Other than those, nothing in the humi is off limits. :-)
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Thought I would add............
.........my dad has been smoking cigars since 14 and is now 74.
He is an avid smoker.
Truly enjoys cigars.
Has the smallest collection of anyone on this board, and that I would bet on.
I bet dad can barely hit the 10 count on what he presently has.
Why?
He told me long ago:
A. I buy them to smoke them
B. What I don't smoke I don't have anymore because I shared
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Excellent story and an even better reminder.

I have several "special occasion" cigars I have yet to smoke. I think I may have to smoke one today. :-)
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Excellent post and so true brother. Thank you for this.
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Very good advice to reflect upon.
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