Seven years ago today life was thrown into perspective. Cancer took another victim and heaven gained another angel. The sweetest woman I’ve ever met and someone I’m lucky enough to call my friend Kim, lost her husband that morning. He was young, he was vibrant, he was optimistic, he was always smiling, he was all about family, he was encouraging….And can I say again he was so young!
When Kim and I went out for lunch after his diagnosis she told me a story that will sit with me for the rest of my life.
The story went like this.
After months and months of doctors appointments, Dave’s doctor walked in one day and said that it was time for Dave to start living out his ‘bucket list’. It was time for him to start living each day like it was his last and crossing off things he wanted to do before it was too late.
On the drive home, with tears in her eyes, Kim questioned him about this. What did he want to do? What did he need to do? If his days were numbered how did he want to live them out?
And his response was a simple one.
“I am living my bucket list.”
Dave was happy with what he had and didn’t take anything for granted. He wanted to spend as much time as he could with his two beautiful daughters and incredible wife and for him that was enough.
He didn’t need a joyride in a fancy car.
He didn’t need to see the World or skydive from a plane.
His wish was simple.
Just time with those he loved most.
Such a simple thought… and yet something that most of us overlook often.
We are all trying to do more, be more, have more.
Do we really just appreciate the quiet moments we are living most days?
I say no.
It’s funny because years ago my brother gave us all books that he hand-wrote “Bucket List” on and said that every year he wanted us to write in them … things we wanted to do, places we wanted to see, things we wanted to accomplish before our time on Earth was up.
I was so young at the time, it almost seemed profound thinking of the end when I felt I was just at the beginning, but year after year, I would write five things down in the book and try to cross them off as the years passed.
Some things were simple and some more extravagant.
Like most people I realize how lucky I am but I’m always wanting more.
Another trip.
Another thrill.
Another memory.
It’s hard to sit still, pause and reflect on all that we have.
It’s a choice really and a choice that Dave made well.
After the news of Dave’s passing, I must say I was rattled to the core.
Cancer never plays fair.
Dave was one heck of a guy to lose.
I sat quiet for a moment, tears rolling down my face as I thought of Kim and the two young daughters he had left behind.
I dwelled there for a moment, but then I wiped those tears and smiled thinking of that last conversation that Kim had shared with me.
That he had enough.
He was happy.
He was at peace.
He had all he needed.
I slapped some reality into myself. Enough complaining about being tired, a messy house and a stressful workload. From that day forward I promised I was going to Live like Dave!
Not needing to live out an extravagant bucket list, but rather spend every day that I do have appreciating what’s right in front of me.
Seven years later I feel I have done a pretty good job of that.
We all have days. But I choose to live like Dave more often than not.
I continue to admire your strength Kim. What a rollercoaster ride of years it has been, but I am happy to report that Kim found love again and tied the knot this summer.
I know that Kim takes comfort in knowing that Dave lived the life he dreamt of every day and although it was way too short it was full.
The greatest love story ever told continues in her relationship today as her new love has made her old love a huge part of their relationship and I admire that greatly.
May we all live like Dave and be happy in the moment.
Squeeze those we love a little tighter each night.
Be happy where we stand.
Life is short…. live it big! #livelikedave
Xoxoxoxoxo
@half_full_most_days