Most here are probably familiar with the Harry Chapin song "Cat in the Cradle" about being so work obsessed that a man not only misses his son's growing up years, but misses developing a real relationship with that son. But many of us probably put off other things that seem important to us because of the pressures of work and daily life. And putting things off until a better time can work, as long as you don't wait too long. When I was younger I wanted to learn to fly, but with four kids born in 7 years money was always very tight. For years I told myself that before long things would be more stable and I could finally sign up for those flying lessons, but it never happened. Just today watching a video about powered hang gliding the thought actually crossed my mind that maybe I can try that this summer. And then I thought, who I am kidding? I'll be 79 in a few months, have at least my share of ailments such as two bad shoulders, artificial knees, arthritis in my hands among other issues, and realistically there is no way that I could handle the physical demands of that sport. I just waited too damn long for this as well.
For years, or decades, I worked long hours. I promised myself that someday my wife and I would get to travel, visiting among other places a handful of national parks that I always wanted to see. Well, I did get to do this, but by time I did it I was just another old guy sticking to the paved paths, feeling a bit jealous of those young folks traipsing off onto the mountain trails. I've told my grown kids, but they are still young enough to pretty much pursue anything that they might want to do, not to make the same mistakes that their Dad made. But one just lost his job and is focused on nothing else right now. One is dealing with some problematic issues with their kids. One feels financially stretched with having 3 in college at the same time. No one ever grabbed me my the shoulders and said "You don't live forever! Just do it before its too late". Even if really knew that deep in my heart it might have been enough to get me moving had I been forced to face it directly. So I've pushed my kids and I smile thinking about how its working out for them. One went off to Hawaii with her whole family, even though it was a financial stretch, saying it just couldn't wait much longer with the kids reaching college age. One has made several long road trips to the national parks, and hiked the trails that I am no longer able to hike.
Maybe this just sounds like "first world problems" but its very real for me. If you're 40, 50 or even 60 and reading this, and it flashes through your brain that you really do have that burning desire to do a certain something, or go that special place, don't put it off until you 79.
For years, or decades, I worked long hours. I promised myself that someday my wife and I would get to travel, visiting among other places a handful of national parks that I always wanted to see. Well, I did get to do this, but by time I did it I was just another old guy sticking to the paved paths, feeling a bit jealous of those young folks traipsing off onto the mountain trails. I've told my grown kids, but they are still young enough to pretty much pursue anything that they might want to do, not to make the same mistakes that their Dad made. But one just lost his job and is focused on nothing else right now. One is dealing with some problematic issues with their kids. One feels financially stretched with having 3 in college at the same time. No one ever grabbed me my the shoulders and said "You don't live forever! Just do it before its too late". Even if really knew that deep in my heart it might have been enough to get me moving had I been forced to face it directly. So I've pushed my kids and I smile thinking about how its working out for them. One went off to Hawaii with her whole family, even though it was a financial stretch, saying it just couldn't wait much longer with the kids reaching college age. One has made several long road trips to the national parks, and hiked the trails that I am no longer able to hike.
Maybe this just sounds like "first world problems" but its very real for me. If you're 40, 50 or even 60 and reading this, and it flashes through your brain that you really do have that burning desire to do a certain something, or go that special place, don't put it off until you 79.
Will we live forever? No, and I don't want to. We love each other after 40 years and still have fun. Go for it, you won't regret it.
