Creating a list of things to do before you die, or a Bucket List, was made popular by the 2007 movie starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. The main characters, both suffering from terminal cancer and with less than a year to live, traveled the world, crossing things off their "must do" lists.
Since then, the "bucket list" is everywhere - Summer Bucket List, Photography Bucket List, Family Bucket List, Date Night Bucket List. The possibilities are endless.
But what if you only had two weeks to live?
Yesterday I saw a news story about a local man who was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer last week - and given only two more weeks to live. But instead of curling up in a ball of sadness and anger, 60 year old Frank said, "We know it's going to happen. You've got to live each day for the moment". His positive attitude in the face of such a horrible diagnosis humbled and inspired me.
Originally, Frank created a bucket list of things he wanted to get done around the house in order to help his wife and family. But they added some fun things as well - decorating now for one last Christmas, and having a symbolic wedding ceremony for his daughter, due to be married next Spring.
After I wiped my tears away, I started thinking about my own bucket list, if I were faced with similar circumstances. Two weeks is a very short time - not long enough to travel to far away places or arrange major adventures.
Obviously, I would want to spend every moment possible with my family and close friends. I would want to go skydiving - something I have always thought about doing, but haven't yet summoned up the courage for. I would want to see one more sunrise, hold one more baby, and eat lots of cupcakes.
And just like Frank did, I would spend some time writing a letter and recording a short video for each of my family members, as a reminder of my love for them.
Most of us will never know for certain that we are two weeks from our death. I can't even imagine what that must feel like. I hope that I would be as brave and giving as Frank.
What would you do if you only had two weeks to live?
I am going to be thinking about this all day. Thanks for this post Lana - it is a good reminder that we never know what the future will bring and we all should really live our lives as though we just have one more tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI would probably feel the need to do a lot of organizing and sorting - all the things I keep putting off ... but what I hope is that I would just spend a lot of quality time with the people I care about.
I thought of you when I was writing this because it fits in so perfectly with your blog theme.
DeleteA very sobering thought. Makes me want to make the most of my time today.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I stumbled across the story.
DeleteThe first thing that comes to mind is making very, very sure my loved ones know how much have meant to my lives. That would be a lot of the two weeks right there. I'm with Susan F. I'll be thinking about this for the rest of the day.
ReplyDeleteBeing with your loved ones would be the most important, I agree!
DeleteI´ve never thought much about making a bucket list but after reading this, maybe it´s time I should have one. Like you said, we don´t know when death comes knocking on our doors.
ReplyDeletehttp.//dressingupforme.blogspot.com/
I don't really have a bucket list either, but I've been thinking more about it too.
DeleteWay to make a girl cry first thing in the morning...
ReplyDeleteSorry....I'm crying right along with you, if that helps!
DeleteAw. I'm not sure what I'd do, if I'm being honest.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very tough question, that hopefully we won't ever have to answer.
DeleteWha a great attitude in the midst of an awful situation.
ReplyDeleteThat's what really inspired me.
DeleteWhat a great attitude! Franks story really makes you think about savoring every moment with your family and friends and not taking anything for granted.
ReplyDeleteJill
dousedinpink.blogspot.com
Sigh, I don't even know. I'd probably cry and scream the first day. And then.. do a lot. I'd go to Alaska, I suppose. I'd hug and kiss every person I could. I'd write letters and blog posts and take so many photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm nearly crying thinking about it.
I agree. So sad. But I love Frank's attitude.
DeleteThat's a tough one family, friends and meeting up with you and going skydiving since it's always been something I would love to do once too!
ReplyDeleteMaybe we will skydive together - that would be fun!
DeleteAfter prepping my family for my absence, I would laugh and laugh and laugh with the ones who love me so they could hear me in the Stars reminding them to find the funny, be brave enough to try new things and know there are no real rules then pay it forward without wallowing or expecting anything in return.
ReplyDeleteLaughing is always good medicine!
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