Don't Put Off 'Til Tomorrow...
 

I got a wake up call last week...a friend, 55 years old, whose children went to school with mine, was put into Hospice. She had PML, and died on Thursday. Rest in peace, Renee.

This news shook me to the core so I signed on for a safari. I'll be joining my friend ShayTay in Botswana, on September 9th.

CARPE DIEM, folks!!! Celebrate life while you can.

good health and peace,
anita

Sorry to hear that, but what is PML ?


Your right celebrate while you can.

PML, Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, attacks the white matter of the brain.

I am sorry about your friend.

Enjoy Botswana.

Thank you for your thoughts, Lynn, but I really didn't post this for the sympathy. I just wanted to remind everyone to keep perspective on what's really important...I certainly needed the reminder.
anita

My condolences to you, Anita, and a big "Amen" to your advice. ZZ

It's so true, life can change in a split second-enjoy each minute.

Condolences, I'm sorry for your loss.

And want to endorse your message, wholeheartedly.

So many times, when colleagues or friends mutter wistfully about the trips I do, they say "oh I'd like to do that one day" or "when I retire, I'll have more time".

But none of us know what the future will bring, whether our health or circumstances will allow us to travel (or do whatever other fun things we put off doing).

I don't advocate throwing all thought of the future out of the window - I do my best to balance being financially sensible and securing a decent financial future with living life in the here and now and building up a bank of terrific memories of terrific experiences.

Carpe Diem indeed!

Years ago I was traveling in Italy and I met a lovely lady who had just been widowed. She said it had always been a dream of hers and her late husband to go to Italy and see the Vatican. But life happened and they kept postponing the trip.

Then one day he was diagnosed with an advanced form of cancer. They talked about stepping up plans for Italy but the doctors said he needed to start cancer treatment ASAP. He began treatment but only lived 4 more months. This beautiful widow told me she will forever regret putting off the trip for so long. Once he was gone she decided to take the trip alone as she thought it would give her some peace.

People often ask me why I travel so much and why don't I just save my money and do it in retirement. I remind them I'm only 46 years old and retirement is too far away. Besides, can you guarantee me I will live to see retirement? And if I do, will I still have the money and the physical ability to travel? Nobody can answer these questions. I agree that we should do the things we love today because tomorrow might never come.

I am sorry for your loss and thank you for this good reminder.

I'm looking forward to traveling with Anita; sorry to hear that Renee passed away, my friend.

Several years ago, I was staying in Florida for a few months. A friend of mine decided to join me with her two young daughters for a few days at Walt Disney World. Due to circumstances, they had to turn back and missed the trip. Her two-year-old drowned a few months later. Her first words to me were, "She didn't get to go to Walt Disney World!" I suppose I reminded her of that missed trip; of course, the little girl missed much more... her whole life. We never know what's ahead, so do what you need to do, say what you need to say, and let your loved ones know that THEY ARE!

I can bring this topic closer to Africa. :-S

Our cleaning lady here at the office spoke to me a couple of months ago. She said she'd always dreamed of going to South Africa. But "only now, when my husband is terminally ill" she wanted to book a trip asap.

Well, I helped her, but also spoke to her daughter. From that conversation I knew the hubby had little chance of making it; he had bowel cancer and almost could not eat anymore. My fears were correct; he died two weeks ago.

So I just seen her at the office again. Luckily she still wants to go. Now with her daughter.

But the hubby is clearly again one of those people that thought live begins at retirement. He died at the age of 57.

A message to all; travel NOW, where ever you want to go. Don't sit on that money. Spend it all. "Your last coat contains no pockets", they say in my country.

B.regs,

J.

"Your last coat contains no pockets"

I like this proverb.

That's a great one, Kavey! thanks.