Like many others, I watched the Pearson family share their lives with the world in the television show This Is Us. I'm currently watching the last two seasons wrap up, and it's hitting me harder since I recently lost my mom. It's always been an emotional show, but my mom lived with dementia for many years, so this is tough to watch unfold.
One clip that resonated with me was when Rebecca went to the Metropolitan Art Museum with her adult sons, Kevin and Randall. She shared a story about her childhood visit and a plan she made for the next time she came to visit. That went unfulfilled for decades, before this timely visit.
As she reflected on her life, she used phrases like:
"Always in a rush, next time."
"Next time I'll go."
"My life has been full of next times. Things I always assumed I would get to eventually"
"Now I realize I'm running out of time to do them."
She spoke for all of us. Our time IS running out, and we probably all have a "Next Times" list that might like some of our attention.
What are some things you told yourself you'd say next time you visit someone?
What are the next time activities you told yourself you'd do?
Is there a favorite food you won't treat yourself to, and put it off until next time?
I spent years living with several, but in the last 6 months, with the loss of several special people in my life, there will be no next time for these.
Next time I go visit my parents, I'm going to ask Mom about _______________________.
Next time I see Mom, I'll share the stories of the annual Christmas stockings she made for us to be sure I have all of the details correct, so I can write the book about them. (It was going to be her Christmas present, but I waited one too many times for next time.)
Next time I visit my hometown, I'm going to visit _______________________.
Don't get me wrong, our "Next Time" list should always be there, but it should be dwindling as we complete things on it. This is better than a bucket list if we start crossing things off without adding new ones!
What is on your list? How long has it been there? Why is it still on the list?
What is one item from your "Next Time" list that you can do before it's too late?
Take care, and remember, I'm always here to pray for you if you have a need or request.
Lois Lynn
I'm thankful that I'm still in touch with two couples my parents were friends with for decades (one before I was born). I email them from time to time to ask them questions I forgot to ask my parents. Tina
ReplyDeleteThat's cool Tina! I have one aunt left back home and I'm hoping to go visit her and get some more story time in soon. I want every last crumb of memories I can get.
DeleteI connected with a friend I hadn't seen since pre-covid and we have a date on calendar to get together in July (yes it took that long to come up with a day that worked for both us). She was a bridesmaid in our wedding. So this resonated with me that I am glad I have this planned. - Baer hugs!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool...time flies so quickly and now you have time to savor the anticipation of that. Have fun!
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