“Later” Is a Fragile Idea
Last week, I attended the funeral of a karate friend, Dr. Pascual Bidot, best described as a Puerto Rican Larry David.
He looked like Larry. Talked like him too: unfiltered, opinionated, hilariously blunt.
But unlike Larry, Pascual was also a brilliant doctor. Trilingual. Fiercely devoted to his family.
And his front kick? Solid.
During the eulogy, someone shared a story he loved: the Greek tale of two Chronos.
Cronus the Titan who overthrew his father. Obsessed with control. Terrified of prophecy.
Then Chronos, time itself. Silent. Indifferent. Always moving forward.
Cronus feared loss. Chronos simply is.
That’s the distinction we miss.
We cling to control, mistaking it for safety.
But awareness, not control, is freedom.
Because you can’t outmaneuver time.
When you’re young, Chronos feels generous. First job, marriage, kids milestones stretched out like mile markers on an open road.
But as you age, the gaps close. Years compress into months. What once felt abundant now feels finite.
The pace doesn’t change. Your awareness does.
And so here’s the question:
What will you do with the time that remains?
Will your knowledge retire with you locked away, unspoken, unused?
Or will you pour it out back into your profession, your community or society?
Not as a monument to pride. But as an act of generosity.
Contribution.
This is your Chronos moment.
Not to look back. To give back.
Not to measure time. To make meaning.
My friend chose the latter.
He shared what mattered most.
He invested his time in others.
Now it’s your turn.
Because our clock is still ticking.
Rest in peace Pascual.
