A short time ago I was going to write a column about my bucket list, but before sending it off to the editor I received a copy of Leonard Quilty's column writing on the same subject. I put off writing that column and today I realize the things most important to me are not what I have left to do, but to enjoy what I have.
During the Remembrance Day service I was not only grateful for the veterans and others participating in the service, but when laying the wreath for the Thompson Citizen I was grateful for a visit I had this past summer. I didn't play cards with my uncle like his army buddies did. I didn't hear him recite poetry, but I did get to share a hug. Shortly after arriving home I received the sad phone call when my mom told me he had cancer in his lung and was diagnosed with bone cancer. My next trip to Newfoundland was one filled with admiration for my dad's sister who through her grief showed such courage after losing the man she loved through 48 years of marriage and she thanked friends and family for loving them both.
This past weekend a friend's husband was taken suddenly. She's another strong woman with a beautiful spirit and will get through this with the same grace and courage as my aunt.
My editor was expecting a different column from me this week but I write from my heart and it has been laid upon my heart to say that there is so much to be grateful for. I have been to my mom's hometown of Petty Harbour with her many times, but this summer she helped me strike off one item on my bucket list. She took us on road trip to visit my dad's hometown of Pool's Island.
We visited his church and climbed Flat Rock Hills behind the old house. Dad showed me where I fell off it when I was a child hanging on for dear life with white fingertips before he rescued me. He also stood behind a cliff and showed me how he used to hide from the wind while over-looking the water waiting and watching for his dad to return from the sea.
The moments on that hill with him were precious and I will hold them close to me forever.
My bucket list still includes other things such as learning to play the guitar, but at the end of the day what really matters is how we live our lives and that we live them to the fullest. My Uncle Herb loved his life, fought for his life and he said, "I had a good life." I hope we can all say the same.
