Fun Morbid Monday :)
Tiggerlane is tour guide this week and she wonders:
Have you heard of The Bucket List? Well, that's what I want from you! Make a list of things you want to do before you die. It must be at least five items - and you can make it as long as you desire. Photos are optional. And let's hear about some of the wackiest, most bizarre to-do's on your Bucket List!
I was tempted to run out and see the Bucket List for inspiration before even attempting to write my fun Monday. But I restrained myself. So then I mulled it around, do I go serious with this, or funny, or . . .Well, I opted for honest.
I think most of you know that I have had the opportunity to write a real list. I spent a little time crying when I heard people talk about their 40th anniversary thinking that I would never see mine, and such as that. But time is a healer and I have a much better outlook now.
I’ve had so much time to put into thinking about this list (all my months of chemo I agonized that I hadn’t yet done this or that) that I think I have it narrowed down rather nicely. I started with the stars and the moon, thinking I wanted to skydive or bungee jump, see a certain place or do a certain thing. But as reality sank over me I came to the realization that what I really wanted to do before I die is:
- Stay alive until Haden is 18, so he’s not a minor having to worry about who will take care of him. - He’ll be 16 in April, so far so good.
- Live long enough to see my grandchildren. - I now have a grandchild so I want to be a part of his life for as long as I can and I keep a blog for him so I he can know me when I’m no longer here. Yeah, I guess I am assuming I will die while he is young. But if I’m still around when he’s 20, I want to sit with him while he reads it and giggle with him over his sillinesses and my own.
- Make my mark. - Even if it’s only by making sure my family, every single one of them, knows how much they mean to me. I hope to ease their pain in my passing by making sure they all feel good before it happens. It’s those left behind that hurt and I wish I could take away that pain for them.
- Enjoy life. - That sounds so simple, but how many people actually do it? I enjoy today, today may be all I have and I try to live like today is all I have. There is something good in every day. I want to smell the flower, photograph the bird, etc. I really see my photos as part of this, as I want to share with people my view, how I see it, and that there’s so much good in the world.
That’s it, four things. They’re all that are really important and because I’ve had the warning I feel like I could be run over by a truck tomorrow and be at peace about it, if that makes sense. I also feel like I know how I’m going to die (just not when) so I most likely won’t be run over by that truck.
But if you need a fifth thing, find homes for my Lhasas. I know Dennis wouldn’t keep them so they would need homes. But I feel pretty good, so I don’t really feel the need to run an ad or anything.
I think you have already made your mark...your photos are awe inspiring...
Hi, nice list...happy Fun Monday!
I'm glad you went with honest. It's good to know from someone that has
been there that the best thing to do is just enjoy what you have. Thank
you.
Oh Lisa, what a list you have. If everyone could learn to appreciate life
and the little things without having to go through what you did, the world
would be a better place! I can see your appreciation of life through your
photographs. They are simple, yet say alot and that is what comes from
inside of you.
Oh, and sure you could live in my cabin with me, though I think you may
want to consider just building one for yourself right next door. I've
heard that I snore LOUDLY, but I don't believe that. But, it's always
better to be safe than sorry!
Your third on your list is very very deep and touching. Just lovely.
Great list. Good luck with it.
i would agree that its those left behind that are hurt the most..
Sometimes, short and simple lists are all one needs. Nice post.
Terrific list.
It is a simple list - but a very very notable one! If I was facing cancer
or some other life-threatening illness, I'm sure my list would change and
family would be at the #1 spot.
Wow. What a fantastic list! I'm glad you're feeling well though -- and my
prayer is that you will be able to read your other blog with your grandson
when he is 20.
Oh my, this was so touching. I was trying to read through tears. You are
such an amazing woman and I believe you have made your mark. After reading
#4 I have a better understanding as to why I love your photos so much.
Darn it, I am still tearing up. I am just in awe of you. I hope I get the
chance to meet you one day.
Your list is absolutely perfect. You don't even need five.
Perfect List Lisa...FYI..God forbid anything ever happen you just call me
and I'll come to Wisconsin and take care of the babies.
When my friend got a true death sentence of ALS w/ no hope he really did
have about 3 years for a "bucket list"...and his was spent with family and
friends...all those other things that had been on his healthy "list" didn't
mean squat... I've learned to just DO..and LIVE while you have the chance.
A perfect list filled with the things that REALLY do matter. And enjoying
life? That's something we should all focus so much more energy on every
day. Thanks for the reminder.
This is beautiful. You make me feel very humble, and I shall think about
you when I'm grumbling about my life. I need to appreciate everything
around me and simply enjoy what comes!
I think I just cried a bit. You are a special person Lisa and you have
already made your mark, with me anyway.
I haven't had the big C, but I've had friends and family dying all around
me lately. My ex is just one of them (I talk about him in the post under
"Fun Monday"). It does give you pause and get you to thinking about what
you would do before you are next.
Your list is great...I thought this Fun Monday was a bit sad but a great
way to do an introspective. Life is too short to not being doing what you
want to be doing.
Thank you for this honest post. I am touched by your responses. You are
indeed making a mark in the blogging community. I am sure that you are
making a wonderful impression on your own family. You have made a very
profound list. Take care...Lisa Marie. That is my niece's name too.
Nothing like staring death in the face to make one's bucket list short and
sweet. But it's more like short and perfect because you definitely 'get'
what the bucket list is all about.
That's a great list. May we all enjoy life to the fullest...that would be
sweet!
Your list puts it all in perspective and it's very humbling.
That was a very touching post and you made me re-evaluate my list. Not
that the things on it aren't important to me and things I want to do but
I'm adding a new one - appreciating the things I have done and the people
in my life more.
I never knew your reason for your other blog. What a wonderful gift. I
think you do a terrific job with the last part of #5. I do so enjoy your
photography. I hope you complete everything on this list and have trouble
thinking of new items for all the time you have left.
Lisa, This was a wonderful post. ALthough the list was fun to think about,
those things that I came up with son't really matter at all. You have what
matters right here. And I hope you are around to read this post with your
Grandson when he is 20. I think he'll love it.
Lisa,
Your list is perfect. I hope you meet all of your goals. I do think that
people who have experiences like yours view life with exquisite focus that
too many of us lack.
Lisa, you're near the end of my bucket list reading tonight and I'm glad to
close out with you. Your list is so honest and pared down to the essence
of what's important in life. You have a great spirit and it shows in your
writing and your photography.
Your mark is your survival. And, your inspiration to others. (like me)
Not to mention your amazing pictures.........
That is a very inspired list. Someone who has gone through it knows what
life is all about. You have definitely given us something to consider.
Great list.
What a beautiful list!! It's very simple yet makes a huge statement about
you. I hope that you are able to acheive them all.
What a beautiful, heartfelt, and poignant list - I was sincerely touched by
it. Great job...and thanks so much for participating.
Great list! Thanks for sharing!
In the movie - when he left his family to travel - I thought that would be
just the opposite that I would choose. I'm glad he changed his mind.
what a great list!
and you have left a mark with your inspiring photos!
You have made your mark, Lisa! Just by being you. You have a gift in your
photography. Truly a touching post. Thanks for being a part of my life!
Lisa, what an awesome and inspirational soul you are. I had a bit more time
tonight, once the little ones went to sleep, to read through your blog. You
are truly amazing, and I pray that you are able to complete each and every
item on your list, along with many many other wonderful things! Wishing you
an abundance of blessings!
I think you'll see from all these comments that you have more than made
your mark. I hope you achieve all the aims on your list and more as you are
a real inspiration to us all.
My list only has 3 things; I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease 5 years
ago today. I hope you are feeling better these days.