I had to stop and strain my brain, trying to dredge up a memory of the last time I went swimming.
It was with Bev, so it had to have been in the last fifteen years, but I’m leaning closer to fifteen than I am ten. And, considering my age, and the rare times I am near a swimming hole when it is warm outside, that may very well be the last time in my life that I go swimming.
Which, of course, got my mind swimming.
It’s funny about those moments; they happen and yet we have no idea of their importance or significance. I had no inkling, fifteen years ago, swimming in Ward Lake, that it would be the last time, nor did I have any idea that running around the track at the local middle school, eight years ago, would be the last time I jogged, nor did I . . .
And I’m sure many of you are thinking that senility has finally set in for Bill, but I’m being dead serious on this.
When will be the last time you make love?
Hold a newborn?
Watch a grandchild graduate?
Feel pride about something you have done?
Cried tears of happiness?
Walked down the street in good health?
Took a walk on the beach?
Went for a Sunday drive?
Went to a concert?
Played catch with your son or daughter?
Played checkers?
Praised someone?
Watched a sunrise?
Watched a sunset?
Swung on a swing?
Had coffee with your best friend?
Listened to your favorite song?
Said thank you?
Did a random act of kindness?
Read a great book?
Did something silly just for the hell of it?
Went on a picnic?
Said thank you and really meant it?
Said “I love you?”
Is there a point to all of this? I think my followers are smart enough to see it.
I’ll bet my dad had no idea how long his list of “lasts” would be three days before his fiftieth birthday, dropping dead that evening.
But let’s make it more personal. How many “lasts” have you already experienced? Or, put another way, how many things are on your bucket list which will never get a chance to become a “last?”
How about I hit you right between the eyes with the central message.
The clock is ticking, and you have no idea how much time is left. Your chance to live life “balls to the wall” is diminishing. Your chance to make dreams come true is shrinking with a diminishing shelf life. Your chance to live your best life, to fulfill the promise you had at birth, is rapidly sifting through the hourglass.
Give that some thought while you watch Wheel of Fortune. Give that some thought while you stay home because you are too tired to give a damn.
I asked a friend last month why he hadn’t gone to see his kid play in a Little League game. His answer? He didn’t have time; he was too busy with his job.
Let’s hope that isn’t a last for my friend.
Thank you, Peggy! May your memories all be beautiful and heartwarming.
It is amazing how many lasts there are for most of us as we age. As others have said, this post of yours makes us think! Let’s all do what we can for as long as we are able. Building great memories can satisfy us when we can no longer keep making as many of them.
Sis, there is no way you need this reminder. You’ve lived life balls to the wall for as long as I’ve known you, and I have no doubt you will check out the same way. Sitting in a rocking chair, growing old, just ain’t your style, dear sister.
Marlene, you just made my day. I sincerely hope you do go dancing. Make sure you tell me all about it, please, and thank you for your kind words. 70? Not possible!
All of your articles are truly wonderful. And, if I had to rate any of them, I would say that this one is the most thought-provoking one of all. This year, I will be 70 years old and with that age, I have so many “lasts” in my life I can’t count them all. I am happy to see some of my lasts be the last, especially the ones that made me sad. But there are some lasts that are regrettable and now you’ve got me thinking about reviving old memories and bringing them back alive. I love to dance, yet I can’t remember the last time I went dancing. Perhaps two decades ago? I can’t remember. But now, Bill, I might just step out on the town and go dancing this weekend… if my old body allows it. (smile)
Oh…..My……God!! Wow! Quite an enormous EYE-Opener, my dear bro! Yes, of course, (as I’m sure so many people have) I have given this profound thought a moment or two to sneak into my mind. Gives me goosebumps. As I read through your list of questions, I was keenly aware to pause a moment and get serious, as I tried to recall the last time I had done any of those things…..Happily, I can comfort myself by knowing that I truly DO make my moments matter as often as possible/more often than not . Most of all, On days I’m tempted to drag my butt…..I give myself a good kick in that same butt…and say, “Hey Girl! TODAY…..just do it today!!” Thank you for this, Bro. It is S P E C I A L !!. Hugs, Big Sis/Paula