Is the first day of the rest of your life. So, what does that mean? We seldom think about our end. I remember reading that when we are born and age, everyday is one day less. No one wants to feel like the glass is half empty, but…
If you found out that your life and abilities were coming to an end, what would/ could you do? If your time became limited to a few years, months, or weeks, what would you want for?
One of my old hunting buddies, Tom, was 52 years old. He was a science teacher like me. We hunted and fished together for decades. His Grady White was our ticket to the Chesapeake Bay and my camper kept us warm in the mountains. Our hunting camp, on Maryland’s eastern shore was where we chased deer, ducks and geese. We challenged ourselves and each other to enjoy the great outdoors.
On a spring turkey hunt, my brother and I were in the Appalachian Mountains. As we sat around our remote campfire, a brand-new Dodge pickup rumbled to our campsite. It was Tom.
He brought out some beer and we welcomed him to camp. Busch beer was his flavor of choice. Sadly, Tom drank a lot of beer. His pancreas and liver paid for the habit. Tom had 6 months to live.
He spent the week with us but never left camp. When we fished, he sat on the bank and watched. He was once a big eater, but his appetite was gone too. Drinking beer was Tom’s bad habit. He simply drank too much. I never remember him being drunk. He seemed to handle his excessive consumption. He also followed the camp rule about not drinking and hunting.
Tom and many people like him live life on their terms. Like the Montana Mountain Men they put their bodies at risk to challenge and embrace life. Navy Seals and other hard men and women live life to the max. A shorter life or bad health can be the outcome.
Around the campfire and every time after, Tom told great stories of the fish, critters, and fun we had shared. These stories echoed up to the end. Tom had no regrets. His bucket list was complete, and he had a life well lived, even if it was shorter than he preferred. He accepted his fate but encouraged us to continue the journey.
A life with few regrets is important. Don’t end up planning your life’s purpose and adventures when it’s too late.
What will your legacy be?
Montana Grant
