As you all know, my wife and I are road trippers, and our favorite
destination is the American Southwest.
When we lived in El Paso, we were already in that area, so we were happy
as could be. Now that we live in
Georgia, we have to drive for at least three days to get to the places we want
to visit, but that's life and we adapt.
One of my biggest regrets in life has been that I didn't
start my road trips early enough to be able to do all the activities they
entail; hiking, climbing, exploring, SCUBA diving and other physical
things.
Oh yes, we have visited the Grand Canyon at least five
times, but we've never been off the rim.
I've looked down on the hikers traversing Bright Angel Trail and wished
that I could be among them, but my aging legs and my deteriorating heart just
won't allow it. Most of all, I can't
take the chance on a medical emergency occurring on the floor of the canyon.
Several years ago I planned out a trip itinerary for my
daughter and her husband to go out to some of the best spots we had visited,
like Moab, Utah, Bryce and Zion Canyons and, of course, Grand Canyon. They were all ready to take the trip, and I
think even had the hotel reservations confirmed, when it all fell through. I can't recall the exact tipping point, but
I do know that gas prices went up steeply a few weeks before they were going to
start out, and that had a lot to do with the cancellation.
That trip has never been made, and now both are a few years
older. No, they aren't by any stretch
of imagination decrepit, but we all tend to lose mobility a little at a
time. Next thing you know, you're past
your prime and some of the things you thought you could do are beyond you.
I don't want anyone to miss out on something like I have,
due to -- let's put it out there -- geriatrics. I certainly don't want my kids to have the regrets that I have
for waiting too long to do the things you want to do to make life
fulfilling.
Maybe you don't have the same travel aspirations that I do,
so I might be barking up the wrong tree.
All I can do is encourage you to do whatever it is that "turns you
on" in life while you're still young enough to enjoy it to the
fullest. If it isn't travel, then it
has to be some form of activity that you always wanted to try. Don't put it off... Life is too short to wait until the end
before you experience your dreams.
I hope this column inspires you to take action, and the
sooner, the better. Get out there and
DO IT.
Note: Valentines Day is next Friday. How about sending your sweetheart a Singing Valentine, with
four tuxedo-clad men singing two love songs and delivering a card and a rose
from you to her house or place of business.
Just click on the link and follow the instructions. Believe me, You'll be glad you did.
