Sometimes we find ourselves more excited and interested in the life of others, then that of our own. In the story “Remembering My Childhood on the Continent of Africa” David Sedaris compares his dull life to the life of his friends Hugh, whose life seems so much more exciting and interesting to David. He first describes Hugh experience to an Ethiopian slaughterhouse for a field trip; even though he thought it was a little inappropriate for a busload of eleven year olds, he still found it to be exciting and way better then the field trips he’s been on. David was so intrigued by the stories and the life of Hugh that he never really took time to appreciate the life of his own.

Something that stood out to me was when David spoke of a time he went to the movies to see a movie about a talking Volkswagen nothing out of the order nary happen. Then he compared it to when Hugh went to see the same movie, but when Hugh came out him and the movie viewers was greeted by a man hanging from a telephone pole and since Hugh father was late to pick him up he stood there waiting just looking at the body move with the win. David was so interested in Hughs life that I don’t think he ever wonder how these experience may have impacted or how it could affected Hugh.

I also found it compelling when David Sedaris said “I have learned to take satisfaction in the life that Hugh has led. His stories have, over time, become my own.” He was so interested in Hugh life and stories and the vivid details that he felt the stories was that of his own. The life he wish he had, the experiences he wish he was fortunate to live.  I guess that’s why in the end he kind of refers himself to a thief, since he was stealing the stories and kind of living through Hugh life instead of his own.

I wonder if David ever really start to appreciate his own life in the story he goes on to say “I should have been happy with what I had. Rather than surrender to my bitterness” for a moment he there he came to the realization that he should be happy with what he have, but it he seem to still be bitter with the life he lived.

In life there will be people who live more exciting, interesting and extravagant lives, but you should still appreciate the life of your own. We are allowed only one life and one chance to make it the best, so we must learn to appreciate it,  live it and love what we have.