WJBC Forum: Bucket list

Posted on February 15, 2016

By Dale Avery

Do you have a bucket list?

Recently, I watched the movie, “The Bucket List.” Thisfilm is about two terminally ill men (portrayed by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) on a road trip with a wish list of things to do before they “kick the bucket.” If you have not seen, it is definitely worth the time to watch. It will cause you to self-reflect on how short and fragile life is for us all. The story makes you step back and ask, are there things I always wanted to do but have put off until next month, next year or when I retire?

As I get older, I have witnessmany family, friends and colleagues who have worked on their bucket list, put events off until retirement, and even some who have passed away without checking any items off their bucket list at all.

So, what category am I in?I have definitely been working on some bucket list items including:

  • Traveledto Kenya on a mission trip last year – and planning to go again this summer.

 

  • Went on safari in Africa.

 

  • Attendedracing events- the Indianapolis 500, a drag race, numerous dirt track races and about fifty NASCAR races.

 

  • Traveled to 40 of the 50 states – I am shooting get to North Dakota this summer.

 

  • Drove a race truck and did three laps in a race car at Daytona.

 

  • Married my best friend and raising two outstanding girls.

 

  • Bought the farm I grew up on.

However there are some itemsthat will take time to check off my list:

  • See my daughters grow up to be fine young women, hopefully marry, and have children in my lifetime.

 

  • Learn to play a musical instrument.

 

  • Attend a Formula 1 race in Monaco.

 

  • Write a book about my life

 

  • Finish traveling to all 50 states

It is rewarding to list my checked off items which have left me with great memories. And it is exciting to think about what I might be able to do while still here on earth. But as a dear friend of mine reminded me as I was preparing this, while we will love our families and do our best every day, remember to not put off the experiences that can enrich your life until it is too late to do them.

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