[Pre-blog-crash post: Originally published on blog on 05/19/19]
Since his stroke in 2016, I’ve gained a better appreciation for time. And actually more anxious about it. I mean, how long do I have with Zen Master and Zen Mum? How can I honor them more in their golden years? And there’s been just one question absolutely searing my brain ever since.
What can I do for them to make their golden years truly golden, while they’re still physically here with me?
Actual Conversation
Me: “What’s in your bucket list, Zen Master?”
Zen Master: “What’s a bucket list?”
Me: “Stuff you want to do before you kick the bucket. You know, places to go, people to see. Stuff.
Zen Master: “I want to visit Singapore, Japan and Thailand.”
Me: Umm…
I turn to Zen Mum and asked the same question.
Zen Mum: “I don’t know. Whatever Zen Master wants.”
Me: “Hmm…” (Face is now severely puckered in concentration and extreme distress.) And not just by the fact that she doesn’t seem to have her own bucket list.
The last time we did serious traveling was to China in 2010. And that was only possible after years of saving and hoarding like a beaver on steroids.
It’s an interesting (and tough) challenge too because:
- He and I don’t like flying long ass flights
- Money – the lack of it
Riddle me this: how do we cross the vast oceans around the world without flying and with limited coin in the bank?
One night, some time ago, the Universe knocked on my sleeping brain and slipped into my dreams:A world cruise (#worldcruise).
Genius, I think to myself, because that’s actually on my bucket list.
Golden Year Conundrum
Since my 40s, my personal motto has been Go big or go home. Having a loft goal, if worthy enough of me bleeding sweat and tears, is righteous and absolutely worthwhile. Otherwise, duh,what’s the point in doing it then?
So, with no holds barred, if I throw all ideas on the table, money notwithstanding, how can I fulfill his wish? Just how the !@#$%&^!!! am I going to make this happen?
I don’t know the answer to that yet, much less if I actually do manage to succeed. But I do know that it’ll need to happen sooner rather than later.
Because I’m not sure what kind of time is left in the golden years hourglass.