I recently returned home from a family vacation. Now mind you this vacation was as special as the one I was on a month ago with my girlfriends. Another first.... another "later". Our whole family (minus my daddy) went to Florida for a week (mom, sister, her 3 boys and husband, and best of all my boy and I). The reason this was so special you ask? We have NEVER been on a family vacation before, since before Autumn and I were little. We were always going to get to it "later".
One evening we had a sunset family photo session with a professional photographer. He is so good and made everyone comfortable and we laughed so much. The pictures are perfect and I couldn't have asked for anything better! Afterwards we all went to a restaurant and had key lime pie while the boys played bags.
P.S.: If my sissy ever tells you I peed my pants... well she's lying! I made it to the ocean, so that doesn't count sissy! Baaaahhhaaaaa! Maybe someday you'll hear that story in full, LOL, but I doubt it!
But all wonderful things must come to an end and we headed home the following Saturday taking a million memories with us. As I drove over the bridge leaving my happy place one more time, I had to wonder if that would be my last and got a little teared up as I boarded the plane that day.
I watched a movie on the airplane on the way back home Saturday night. I know I shouldn't have, as it hits way to close to home, but it drew me in and I'm glad I watched it. The opening of the movie began with these words:
"The average person lives 27,375 days. That's all we get, if we're lucky.
27,375
At first, I thought it didn't really seem like a lot of time. But then again, how many days do we really remember anyway? Most days pass by unnoticed, unremarkable, unmarked. Because we only remember the days when we feel something happened. Something beautiful or tragic. Most days will pass in a blur. So many of mine did. They were lost in routine or work or both.
I didn't notice my life was becoming a series of forgotten days. Everything was being saved for later. You make that money, honey. Live spontaneously, later. Travel, later. Find love, later.
But everything can change in a day.
And what might be missing... becomes so very clear."
My question for you.... What's on the list of "laters" for you? Don't wait until later! Do them now! It should not have taken me to get a death sentence for these trips to happen... But life happens and it does. I'm just trying to share my side and how I wish I would have been healthy for these trips and not had dying on my mind. I wish these trips would have happened when I was carefree and happy. Take it from me.... do it now! 💗
I am trying to cram 40 years of laters into what will realistically probably be a year to a year and a half, if I am one of the lucky ones. My next milestone I am trying to reach is my 50th birthday! Most people dread the big 5-oh, but I am praying that I reach it July 14th! Some of my laters I'm terrified to even think about because I know they are just too far out of reach. Some of them are just timing. Will I see my son get married? Will I get to meet my grandbabies? These are things that cannot be forced. But the things that you can see right in front of you. Things you say every day, "I'd like to try that" or I'd like to go there". No matter how small. Do it! All of that money and savings.... you can't take it with you, but you can make memories now that will go with you and your children, family and friends. That is what life is really about. Making as many memories and impressions upon people that you can while you are here on this earth, so that they may take the memories with them after you're gone and continue living with those memories in their hearts and minds. What memories have you made together and left for your loved ones? Later is now my friends!
Love to you all and please keep praying for me my prayer warriors as I need them every day!
