It was a beautiful piece of property, and our friends were interested, so we parked beside the Open House sign and made our way up the driveway. The owner, an elderly man with a small dog in his lap, sat out in the sun on the perfectly manicured patio. He told us we were welcome to browse as long as we wanted, and, if we had any questions, please feel free to ask.
The sturcture was small--what's known as an executive suite in RV lingo--but it was the most elegant executive suite I'd ever seen. Granite floors and countertops, a well-thought-out and beautifully designed floorplan that made the most of every inch of the 1000 sq. ft. building, lovely furniture that was included in the asking price.
My husband and I went back outside to allow our friends some private time to look around. The old man hadn't moved from his spot.
"You have a lovely place," I said. "The nicest I've ever seen."
He nodded, his eyes glistening in the sunlight. "Thanks. My wife designed it."
There was a pause--one of those that makes you hold your breath because you know something important is coming. I waited, and, sure enough, he spoke again.
"She got sick right after it was completed and never got to use it. She passed away 18 months ago."
His sorrow punched me in the gut, but I managed a simple, "I'm so sorry."
My husband shifted uncomfortably, changing the subject. "Your motorhome is nice. We brought ours with us down here, but we haven't done as much traveling as we'd like to."
The old man shifted his gaze to my husband, pinning him with a meaningful look. "What are you waiting for?" he asked.
What are you waiting for?
His words have echoed through my mind for a week now, their message clear and concise and fraught with the wisdom of one who learned the lesson from experience.
Grab today while it's within your reach. Call that loved one you think about so often. Take that trip to the place you've always wanted to visit. Go ziplining, skydiving, parasailing, skiing, skating, or wine-tasting. Sing karaoke. Take tap dance lessons. Try yoga and tai chi. Write the book of your heart. Do wahtever it is that's been calling to you for sometime now.
What are you waiting for?
19 comments:
I'm waiting for the money to travel. Well I shouldn't say waiting. I'm working towards it, but seems like every few steps forward you get blasted backwards. Meanwhile, I love spending time at home with friends and family. So even though I would like to travel, even if I don't ever realize that dream, I'm happy.
Travel is high on so many lists, Snookie, and working and saving to make that dream come true makes the reward even better. That said, being happy wherever you are is a gift, too--and that's a dream you've already realized. Congrats on that! Some people never figure it out.
Good luck with your plans!
And, BTW, books are a great way to "travel" until the funds come along:-)
He's right, what are we waiting for. It's like having a fine set of china that you save for a special occasion but then you never feel like the occasion is special enough. Use it everyday, before it's too late.
Absolutely wonderful blog, Pamela--what are you waiting for?--an excellent question to ask of ourselves every day!
What a beautiful, poignant reminder of how precious life is. What are you waiting for? Indeed.
I'm so bad about that, Linda! I've got beautiful pieces that I use only on special occasions once or twice a year. he was trying to tell us that every day is the special occasion. Life is the journey, not the destination, right?
Thanks, Mary. Yep, it's something we need a continual reminder of. Thanks for stopping by!
His comment shook my DH for sure, Liz! He went home and booked us a trip in the motorhome to the Florida Keys. Sometimes we just need to be reminded:-)
Money. Sad, but true.
Oh, Pamela, what a beautiful story! That poor man.
I have so many things on my list that I drag my feet on because I get discouraged or overwhelmed. Today I have one thing in mind to start on.... thanks.
Well having my brother in law become quite ill is making my husband and I spend more time with my sister and her husband. It's also reminded us to send or take flowers to people that may not be around next year. We would love to travel but the money just isn't there. We are enjoying a lot of affordable things at home though.
Cathryn,
Glad he provided the kick in the pants you needed :-) That was the purpose!Thanks for stopping by!
Pam
Kaelee, how beautiful that you're becoming more cognizant of others. Most of us focus on ourselves. (((hugs))) to you and your family.
Pam
Many, many years ago, the pastor at the service for my sixteen year old brother chose as his sermon message: God doesn't promise us tomorrow.
Why wait indeed?
Ro, same story for everyone. Everything hinges on finances, so we wait sometimes our whole lives. Maybe we should learn to dream in increments:-)
Linda S, you learned the lesson at an early age and under the most difficult of circumstances. ((((Hugs))))
Ok, so I'm in tears here. Wonderful blog, wonderful responses. All so true. Life really is short. To all of you, enjoy yours in a way that makes you happy.
Touching people is what blogging is all about, Ann. Glad this one touched you in a special way.
(((hugs)))
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