One Year

I was saddened to hear that a friend of my family suffered a stroke last week and is probably not going to survive. Even though she's quite elderly (87?), I am quite sure she didn't wander through life thinking "perhaps THIS is the week I will die." And it brings home the vulnerability of knowing that we can't know. And it has led to me wondering what I would do if I was told I had only 1 week or 1 month, or even 1 year, left to live.


1. I would eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Of course, I largely do this now, so maybe this should simply be to continue doing so.

2. I would love freely and without worrying about being loved back.

3. I would walk on the shores of Lake Superior alot. When I die, I will totally miss the sound of waves on the shore. It's one of the most delightful sounds, right up there with thunder, rain and applause.

4. I would visit all the places I have never been that I lust after. Egypt. Argentina. France. Britain. Iceland. I would want to stand on chilly wind-swept beaches and in front of the world's most beautiful works of art.

5. I would buy the most beautiful lingere and wear it every single day. No more Jockey cotton underwear for this girl!

6. I would put up a Christmas tree and keep it up all year.

7. I would always say "I love you" when I hang up the phone..even if I'm talking to someone at the bank.

8. I would listen to music every day.

9. I would shut off the television and stop buying People Magazine because frankly, why take up precious time with this dribble?

10. I would have beautiful hair cuts and color, manicures, pedicures, and massages all the time. In fact, pampering would be my formal occupation.

11. I would not get botox injections however.

12. Maybe I would start really believing in God. I don't know if I believe in God so much as a universe that works in mysterious ways. I want to trust and believe.