How pathetic is that? Caleb had been given six months by the specialist, and he didn’t want to make a bucket list. How backward is that? It’s not as if he was incapacitated. It would be a while before that happened. The disease would slowly work its way towards completion. There was plenty of time to write a bucket list and see the list come true. Provided it was practical.
But no! Caleb would have none of it. “Why on earth would I want a bucket list?” he said to his wife, Leticia. Leticia had been the one who carped the most about his creating such a list.
Why don’t you climb that mountain? You’ve always wanted to.
Why don’t you go to visit the Soda Factory Museum? You’ve always wanted to.
Why don’t you take up golf? You’ve always wanted to.
It seemed that Leticia had made out a bucket list for him. Of course, it was her way of coping with the impending doom that waited down the track. She was doing her best, and perhaps some of these things on the list they could do together – and for the last time. Perhaps they could make a few more memories.
In the end, Leticia won the day! Together they climbed the mountain, both physically and figuratively. “It was very satisfying,” said Leticia. “We’re both feeling pleased with ourselves! The view from the top was stunning. And such a happy memory!”
Together they went to the Soda Factory Museum. “We’ve always wanted to do it,” said Leticia. “It’s so silly really, because the Museum is just down the road. Only twenty minutes away by car. So at last we’ve done it and it was fascinating to understand the history of soda manufacturing.”
Together they played golf. In fact Caleb and Leticia went to the golf course once a week. It was a measure of Caleb’s health and strength. At first they played eighteen holes; later, fifteen holes was enough. Still later it was nine holes; then four. After that, they never went again. “But it was such fun,” said Leticia. “It was something we did together that we both enjoyed.”
The sad day arrived. Caleb passed on. No matter how prepared one is for the death of a spouse, it’s never at all like one imagined.
Cleaning out his things Leticia came across a small piece of paper tucked away as a bookmark:
My bucket list:
To make Leticia happy.
Beautifully moving ❤️
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Thanks Cath! It is kind of lovely!!
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Sorry I haven’t replied to you yet, Bruce. I’ve been in a bit of a downturn. Exams and high temperatures and a very caustic psychological density are not good mixtures. I promise I’ll reply to you by next week.
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Hey – everything in your own good time João-Maria. No pressure, no obligation.. although I was a bit worried. I like your “reordered” website – it’s the same but easier to find things!
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I did that the day you sent me the poems, actually. I haven’t been able to write at all, or do much.
But I’ll be back. Don’t worry!
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OK – it’s a waste of time me worrying! It’s no help! Take care.
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Love the ending to this.
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Thanks Chris
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That was nice Bruce…No smart ass remarks, no sarcasm, but just nice and an excellent story.
You like to throw us these curve balls every once in a while…next time Leticia will fall off the mountain I’m sure.
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Thanks Max. No, Leticia was hit by a golf ball, slipped into the pond on the golf course, and drowned. Much to the relief of her dying husband who had a thing for Nora.
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His bucket list? “Do Nora”
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LOL! MAX!
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That’s really beautiful.
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It comes natural.
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Heaven help us, baby’s got her blue jeans on!
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Yeah – and I’m rockin’ like a rollin’ stone
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Rock on!
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That comes natural too!
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Just be careful or you could get the Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu!
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I thought I had an immunity.
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I don’t know that anyone does…
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I must be a mutation.
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A mutant?
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Beautiful story. I like seeing this side of you and your talents sometimes.
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Glad you recognize just how tender-hearted I really am Herb!
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That was touching. I hope I will feel the same way when they come for me.
Terry
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The secret is to do any bucket list before you get sick.
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The twist is devastating. There goes a noble heart.
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Thanks Uma. I’m rather proud of this flash of something nice!
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I hope you’re not going soppy on us😆
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Only once in a while! It pays to always have tissues handy in case!
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So sweet.
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Thank you!
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That’s terrific Bruce. It’s a very moving story – of course it is – but you tell it with no trace of sentimentality. So well handled!
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Thanks so much, John. I’m rather fond of the story!
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Ah how sweet. I have wondered whether I would have a bucket list if I knew I was going to die soon – I kind of think it would be a bit pointless to do things then for the sake of it…
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I agree – do things now and then live according to the circumstances
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Such a sweet story! Reminds me of O. Henry and The Gift of the Magi.
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Thanks Noelle – prof that I’m naturally sweet!
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What a lovely man! The fact he wasn’t murdered speaks volumes.
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Ha ha! It’s not impossible he wasn’t murdered – we just didn’t hear about it.
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The author clearly has a soft spot for him 😉
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Yes, that’s possibly true!
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