On Saturday, I gave a speech to a room full of sisters about recovering from my stroke, the promises I made and what I learned. I promised to use money designated for junk food for flowers. I also promised myself that I would take my kids to Florida, if the doctors said I was strong enough to travel. I kept that promise. Then I did something I never thought I would do....I created a Bucket List. A simple list of things I want to do or see before I leave this Earth. Do you have one?
Frankly, I decided to create a list to see what I hadn't done. We always make excuses why we can't do something or delay it. In reality, we don't know how much time we have left. For years, I said I was going to visit a certain historic garden center in Canandaigua, New York, for the last eight years...I haven't done it yet. It's only a 30-minute ride from where I live. I'm doing it this year.
In the next two weeks, I'll be crossing one thing off my list: finally taking a hot air balloon ride. Then in two more weeks, going for a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist. I'm not being morbid, but I'm trying to make some wishes come true. Some of the things on my list include: trips to Egypt, Spain, London, and South Africa; a ride on an elephant, a night at Phantom of the Opera, a trip to the Oscars in Hollywood, and a backyard makeover.
Trust me, I've done a lot in my life, but now I want to really reclaim the things nearest and dearest to my soul. My health got so much better last year. I was able to finally see the shows: Mamma Mia, The Color Purple, and Wicked. I almost forgotten how much I loved theatre: I was too busy making life for my children financially with no support from my now ex-husband. In the process of being responsible. I lost parts of me.
I promise I won't do that again. I'm re-prioritizing my life and enjoying the small but wonderous things life has to offer. My Bucket List is a small reminder of what life holds and what it has to offer. I plan to enjoy every minute I can.
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Monday, August 16th 2010 at 11:13PM
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