Mind Doodles

So--what's on your list?

I've been thinking through that question a lot in the last couple of days.  

Here's one that's on mine--

I'd like to get back in touch with some friends from my past who I've lost touch with.

Why is it so easy to lose touch with people?  Staying connected takes work.  It's easy to let relationships slip away and before we know it, years have passed.  

Over the past few months, I've been in touch with some really special friends.  It's so great to catch up and reconnect.  These friends have enriched my life over the years--they've had an impact on who I am.

I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  I had such a great best friend--Beth.  I have so many wonderful memories of junior high and high school with her. 

But, I haven't seen or talked to Beth in 20 years.  How did that happen????

I moved to Indiana--She moved to California.  

We were separated by distance and we didn't do the hard work of staying connected.

It's sad.

For some reason, I called my mom today and asked her to go over to Beth's house. 

I wanted her to talk to Beth's mom and get her email address so I could get in touch with her.  

My mom did--because she's a trooper.

Now for the crazy part--guess who was there?  Beth!

She lives in Hawaii now but just happened to be there today.

She's visiting her mom, who is in hospice.  

My mom called me and put Beth on the phone.  

What a treat!  She sounded just like she did in High School. 

I would have recognized her voice and her laugh anywhere.  

So. . .what's on your list?

The Bucket List

Yesterday, my husband, Greg, turned 50. 

Oprah said fifty was fabulous. She said that was when she really settled into herself.

Greg wasn't terribly excited about it.

  

So, we decided to give him something to be excited about.

The girls and I, along with my family, gave him something that has been on his bucket list.

Have you seen the movie? --The Bucket List?

The bucket list is a recording of all the things you'd like to do before you "Kick the Bucket".  

It seems a little morbid, but actually it's a wonderful way of being intentional with your dreams.

As long as I have known Greg (29 years), he has wanted to skydive.

He doesn't talk about it much, but I have always known that one day we would make it a reality.

A 50th birthday seemed like the perfect time.

We invited a couple of friends along with us.  His friend, Rhett, agreed to jump with him.  

(Actually, it didn't take much arm twisting.  Rhett was all in). 

Greg loved it.  It's a memory that he won't quickly forget. 

Greg and Rhett, waiting . . .and waiting.

 

All suited up in their gear

Coming in for the landing. (It's the best shot I've got).

After the jump--look how happy he is!

So, what's on your list?