If you have longed to travel or take a special college class, or just anything that you have put off for whatever reason, don't put it off any longer.

I have just just learned that a very loved family member has had a reoccurance of cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer this same time last year and while that was successfully treated, it has reoccured in her brain.

It is truly not my intent not to make this a morbid message, but I am more convinced than ever that life is much too short to put off what you are longing to do.

I'm not writing this to encourage a knee-jerk reaction. We all have commitments and obligations. I'm just re-evaluating what I want to do and share with those that I love most.

My family member doesn't want to travel. She wants to stay at home and gather close those whom she loves.

What do you want to do? Where do you want to go?

I want to go to Paris. Touristy as it may be, I want to walk the streets of Paris, and if my future holds a finite memory, so be it.

Damn. What a Saturday night downer. My apologies.

My heart goes out to her and you. I agree with you that we must live every moment and do as we dream...

You are so right--seize the day!!

Hello Loisde, I am so very sorry! And I understand what you are saying.

I have postponed things that I have wanted to do this last year or so, all for good reasons. But Loisde I know I have to start following my dreams and desires again. Thank you for the wake up call. Many hugs to you and your loved one. May you you follow your dreams and inspite of what life throws at you may you have some happy times. Best regards.

Sorry to hear about your loved one. I hope all those she loves will gather at her side as she wishes.

Loisde, you have the right idea. And thanks, we all need a reminder so we don't let circumstances keep us stuck in the mud!

Prayers for each of you as you go through this time.


I decided earlier in the year that rather than dreaming of far off places.. to discover the beauty " in my own backyard." So while Italy and Northern Switzerland remaing on my to do list... I'm determined to see all of SAnta Barbara and Los Angeles instead of just driving through on my way to LAX!

Oh, dear, dear Fodors comminutee . . .

Thank you for your kind wishes, but I did not post expecting replies. I reallly, really appreciate your concern.

My niece's name is Terrie. I believe in prayer.

Thank you.

I will be praying for Terrie.

Sometimes WE need to respond to convey all the things we feel when we read threads like this.

Ah Loisde, a niece, so a young person, that is so truly tragic. Your Terrie will be in my prayers I promise you. I am so sorry dear one. You will find that Fodorites are a wealth of compassion and strength in time of need. I know from personal experience. Hugs to you!!

Loisde: I put my beloved daughter on a plane for a year abroad about 3 hours ago. I cried my eyes out at the good-bye and am at home now missing her spark and wishing her safe journey. Thank you for making me rejoice in her health and adventure. I send positive energy to you and your family. You are SO right. Seize the day.

Loisde, I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you and your family.

AuntAnnie, fourteen years ago I put my daughter on a plane for a year abroad. I cried too, and missed her terribly, but the year passed quickly. It was such an exciting experience for her and I truly believe it played an important role in the incredible woman she is today.

I am so sorry to hear about your niece. I agree with you; don't put off doing what you want to do. I heard a saying that goes, you won't regret the things you did, but you will regret the things you didn't do.

Loisde~ good thoughts for your family, and I will be mindful of those among us who have more challenges and need our collective strength. J.

Loisde
Amen, Amen, Amen!!!!
Best friend was just diagnosed with Lou Gherigs. Freaking stinks but we can wallow in it or take advantage of the now and do what we need to do, while we still can. Bad days are a guarentee, so live for the good ones!

My prayers are with Terrie. The gift you and she give us is the reminder to do it now and stop saving trips, etc. for "later" - which we have no guarantt we will be able to enjoy.

Your post was enough to get me to actually book a February trip with husband and dtr that I have been indecisive about.

For Loisede- do you have a guidebook for Paris? If yes read it, if no get one. Feed the dream. Work towards making it real. That is something you can strive for and a situation you can control.

For your loved one, our prayers are all we can offer her/you.

The medical world has come a long way, and they can do so much for Terrie. But of course, she will be in my thoughts and prayers as well.

Loisde ~ My thoughts and best hopes for a positive outcome for Terrie.
Strength for you and your family.
A prayer for Terrie has just been said.
Tiff

Thanks so much Loisde. Your post is a gift.

What do I want to do? After being away for 20 years I am finally back at the potter's wheel and working with clay, and I feel a little more complete. It brings me so much joy. What took me so long?

Where do I want to go? In the course of reading this I realized that I had not been to Yosemite in a few years. The "air" is different there.

Best wishes and peace.

-Bill

Bill, Ever since I was a little girl... and we went to Yosemite, usually camping, multiple times a year, I always wanted to stay at the Ahwahnee Hotel! Yes, I know it's ridiculously expensive... but still! So I have booked for my birthday in January! Go, go, go! Yosemite is stunning no matter what time of year or where you stay. Cheers to you...