I mentioned that I had been watching several romantic type classics. As I watched, I yelled to my husband, "I wish you would have carried me more." "What?" he asked. "You know like wisk me away and carry me." Now, what this blog doesn't show you, is that I'm a little chunky...Al, is strong, but I'm a bit too much to "wisk away." However, when we first were married, I was like 132 pounds, he did "wisk me away and often" (wink, wink). Like the posts is titled...do it while you can....ahaha.
No, seriously, this thought, in light of my muscle wasting disease, had my thinking on what I wish I would have done more of. You know, like if I knew this would be the last time I...type thing...I would have really enjoyed it more. Now, I've done a lot, traveled to many countries, started my own business, raised all kinds of animals, grew all kinds of vegetable and flowers, raised 2 wonderful daughters, served my community in many leadership capacities - I mean, my life has been so full and I am blessed by all the experiences. I'm thankful.
This post is about the little things. Trust me, when you can't do them they mean the most. Like, wish I could sit on the floor and play with grandkids type things. Wish I were able to climb the stairs to the top of the barn again. Wish I could set up my booth all by myself in Elkhorn again. Wish I were strong enough to knead my bread as long as it needed it. Just little things like this.
If you are reading this, healthy, active, young - don't take it for granted. Don't live by the "I'll do it when I'm older." Older, may come, but you may not be able to do it.
If you are reading this, older, weaker but still mobile - don't take it for granted. Don't live by "Oh, well, I missed my opportunity to that." Older comes to us all - get out and make it happen.
If you are reading this like me, facing mobility issues - don't take it for granted. Don't live by "my life is over." Yes, we have major challenges to complete the things we desire to do - try anyway.
Well, I think that covers us all. Don't wait to do things. Find a way to do them. Be present. By all means enjoy it, whatever it is. Life is really short. I never understood that at 15 but 59 I get it.
Back to the "carry me" part of this post. I did text my daughters and told them the story. I reminded them to get "carried" as much as they could. Do all the things you want, while you can.
I was mulling this post around in my head when my pastor said something in his message on Sunday, that made my heart happy.
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
Because of my husband's health we have not done things. I tell my daughter that all the time do what ever now don't wait you have no idea what is coming.
ReplyDeleteCathy
Well, you told her good advice!
DeleteWhen Bob had his stoke we hardly go anywhere anymore because I have to drive...and I dont want to drive long trips. We use to share the long drives. I do agree with you though, do it while you can. Janice
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about long trips. I didn't like driving anyway. Having to use a restroom I can get off seat with, more of my problem. Too long of a trip, too many stops.
DeleteI am not going through as much as you but I am experiencing some difficulty getting around. Lot's of chiropractic (plus) appointments scheduled for a year ahead of me. Just getting down the stairs this morning was a challenge. I have read your words and they are so true. Don't wait for tomorrows; and don't just give up either. I am continuing to pray for you. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words and prayers. I appreciate them! Good luck with your back too.
DeleteI agree with do it while you can, as you never know when won’t be able to. We’re still keeping up with our acreage, albeit a lot slower than 20 years ago! Yesterday we got unsettling news about a couple we were friends with in our younger years. He has had to be put in a nursing home as his wife could no longer take care of him. He has Parkinsons. She recently had a heart attack and had open heart surgery. They are both in their late 50’s. So sad as we remember how active they were. None of us are promised tomorrow, but thankful we know who holds tomorrow! RHill, TX
ReplyDeleteOh I love that! We aren't promised, but we know the one who holds all our tomorrows. Thanks! Sorry about your friends.
DeleteThis week I did several care home visits to friends who didn't plan to be there. In one case, it was sudden and will probably be somewhat resolved in the near future. For the other -- it (or someplace like it) will probably be his permanent home. Yes, every minute matters.
ReplyDeleteOh, that was nice of you. Yes, make every minute matter! Good advice.
Deletethis is a great read/story, i enjoyed it!! i was a tiny, little thing too...tinier than you and the hubs and I have some wonderful, romantic memories!! 48 years of marriage and we still hug and kiss each other every day!! when i think back on my life, and think about "do it while you can"...i think i have. i've always wanted love and a family, i have that!! i never wanted to "see" the world or be rich or famous. i wanted a simple life filled with lots of love and i have that!! i have missed days, in the hospital and in rehab...being sick, but i am lucky to feel full!! they are very wise words!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wise words as well. Being fulfilled and knowing it is great joy.
DeleteSuch a great post.
ReplyDeleteLosing Mum and Aunt-in-law and then Mother-in-law, all quite suddenly has taught me not to put off doing things. Life changes so suddenly, at any age. My walking friend (quite a few years later than me) was telling me about travel opportunities that she has this year, and I told her to take advantage of it while she is able. She has the money and the time and is not getting any younger! She has some back issues and such and has lost several friends in the last couple of years. She has now booked herself a couple of trips! She's worked hard and while she can, it's time to do those things.
Yay for her! You gave her great advice!
DeleteI don’t believe I ever “waited” to do things. Life often prevented me from doing things in one way or another (financially, time/work commitments, priorities of other responsibilities, etc.) but I believe I enjoyed the times meant to be enjoyed as much as I could given those limitations and even when the physical limitations started. Each day I thank the Lord for walking beside me…then correct myself and saying “carrying” me because He has carried me all the way.
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! If it was for His carrying me, I don't know where I'd be.
DeleteThis is such a wonderful post! I am not a procrastinator in that I do what I can each day. Now of course if I am not feeling well some things will wait.
ReplyDeleteWe are never guaranteed tomorrow, we only have today! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks for the nice comment. Resting and letting wait are part of the process.
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