Trish, in Kansas, noted that she'd rather hear about the triumphs of the dying than their regrets. This made me wonder if hospice workers actually ask that question: what do you regret about your life?
And is there any point in asking such a question except to give the rest of us a heads-up.
How did you triumph in life? I like that question.
I made it through junior high.
I always had friends.
I got every job I applied for.
I liked participating in sports.
I had some astonishing creative moments.
I had some astonishing teaching moments.
I had some astonishingly inappropriate moments.
I raised four sons who grew up to be really nice guys. They make me laugh my head off.
My husband was my best friend.
I perked up my surroundings.
I read lots of books. I read poetry!
Sometimes I was super organized!
I was good at doing nothing.
I made people laugh till snot ran out of their noses.
I yelled at God.
My grandchildren are all brilliant.
I dined at fine restaurants.
I had a beach house.
Tom and I did what we wanted. We did it. We did what we wanted.
I sang loud.
I did nothing like my parents. And I loved my parents.
I laughed like a horse.
I was loyal as a dog.
It wasn't easy; I was often scared out of my britches, but I did it.
The rest of it no longer matters.
Love it. I think I'm having a mid-life crisis, so it's nice to read about your triumphs and know that I'll make it. I hope.
ReplyDeleteI love this. What a great idea from Trish. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! You know what, I'm inspired now to evaluate at each day's end and say, "how did I triumph today?" So good! :)
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ReplyDeleteThis is the best list I have ever read. It doesn't get any better than this, girl! What a journey!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite posts.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful. Especially "We did what we wanted. We really did it." THAT is a triumph.
ReplyDeleteOosh. I had better get on this.
ReplyDeleteSadly, and oddly, we here are observing five unrelated, unanticipated deaths in the past six days. I wonder if any of the deceased had made "Triumph"or even "Okie-dokie" lists? I hope they had no "regrets' List on their mind.