"To Do Before I Die" List -

August every other year is my target date for new cancer re-occurrence. So I've been dreading this month. July is when we usually start the tests and biopsies, and this July brought tests and doctors - concerns about acid reflux and an ulcer on the roof of my mouth. Thankfully, my tests have turned out the best they possibly could have this year. My "only" problem now is Acid Reflux. I need to learn how to deal with it, and eventually cure myself of it. My projects include studying acid/alkaline balance and what I should be eating. I can do that. (and I do have meds)

I firmly believe that one of the main reasons I'm still here is because of my "list." As a child, my lifetime ambition was to see Vermont in the fall because I'd seen a movie when I was 8 years old named "What Happened to Harry?" that was filmed in Vermont in the fall, and it was gorgeous!

Well, I 1994 I was blessed to tour the east coast for 3 weeks with the highlight being Vermont in the fall....and it was fabulous! When I got home I told my daughter that I could die happy now...to which she replied...."Don't you dare! You find something else to want!" So I said okay, I guess I'd like to see Hawaii.....which I did in 1997. She has made sure I have a continuous list.

My listing ventures started in 1994, nine years before cancer. So I had my list before I had to be tough and determined. My list has continued to grow.

I tell her now that if I have to live long enough to do everything on my list, I'll be living forever!

Honestly, I'm sure this list is one of the reasons I've been so determined to keep on breathing.
I always told my health care providers that I still had alot to do. I don't mind the thought of dying at all...I'm ready any time, but there were still some urgent things on that list.

Most of the people I've been around now have their own "to do" lists....and they let me know when they've accomplished something, or added something new to their list. They all seem to be grateful that they realized the value of knowing what you most what to do, or have, or be. It's a gauge for how you are accomplishing your mission in life. I'm very proud to have helped them enrich their lives.

When you know what others have on their lists, you may be able to help them accomplish something that is important to them.

My list has small things, medium sized things, big things, and lots of travel. For last Christmas my niece decided she wanted to do something on my list for me.....so she has gifted me a trip to California! She lives right on the coast. We plan to go whale-watching; drive up Highway 1; take in Fisherman's Wharf and her local highlights; spend a couple days in San Francisco to ride the cable car, see Chinatown, Ghiradelli's, the Japanese Tea Gardens, the Golden Gate and San Francisco Bay Bridges, all the highlights of San Francisco. How exciting?? But I wouldn't be doing this had it not been on my list. We go next week and I'll be there for 10 days!!

I have many, many things on my list and I'm prioritizing and determining how I can accomplish each....one step at a time we can accomplish great things.

You don't need to be dying to plan how you can be living in and treasuring every moment you breathe...for however long you live.

I challenge you to make your own list.....have lots of fun with it. I promise you will "see" your life more clearly and live it more vibrantly!

So, What's on your list?