Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain)
It’s been quite awhile since I made an entry in this journal. It’s been a long cold winter in Northern Ohio and I’m afriaid I’ve not had a lot of encouraging thoughts. Plans for camping seem like a dream far off in the distance. This entry is about my camping.
Two of my children and their families started camping together a good number of years ago and I always had fun going to visit them on a Saturday or Sunday, but truth be told I longed to stay there with them. The trouble was I had no camper.
I did have one years ago, but had to give it up when my husband died as I could no longer afford it. The years immediately following his death were very lean indeed and I had all I could do to keep the family and our home going.
He’s been gone now 15 years and all of my children have gone on to be adults with their own homes and families. Finally, I have the luxury of thinking about myself and what I’d like.
Having a little nest egg set aside it was hard to decide how to spend it. I could get new furniture or carpeting or I could save a little more for a new car or I could buy a camper. I thought about it long and hard and made the decision to buy the camper.
The reality of not being able to retire next year as I’d hoped really hit me hard and so as a little compensation I’ve rewarded myself with a place to go that I’ll enjoy .
The nice part is that I’ll be camping alongside some of my children so if I have any problems they’ll be right there to help.
Children are of great comfort to us in our old age, and they help us get there much more quickly than we otherwise would.
If I have an opportunity to do something new and different, will I regret not having done it? Will I regret having played it safe and not having taken a risk? And on my deathbed (assuming there will be such a thing) will I regret not having done the new and exciting and different and having settled for the safe and convenient?
I know I won’t regret my decision and I certainly do plan to enjoy the camping season. I just hope I don’t get in the way of my children having fun…sometimes you act a lot different with your mother around…and I don’t want to spoil their fun. I’ll try not to be on top of what they are doing all the time so they can enjoy themselves.
If you could kick the person responsible for most of your troubles in the backside, you wouldn't be able to sit down for two weeks
I don't want to face disappointment later in life because I was afraid to take a chance and sail into uncharted waters. I am beginning a new season of my life. I don’t recall ever just thinking about myself. It’s going to be very interesting this next 20 years.
A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.
William Shedd
Written from my heart to yours,
Pam (mostly known as ma)
5 comments:
I'm glad you picked the camper....
Enjoy!
Linda :)
Life is way too short for the what if's. I was told when I rounded the corner to 40 and felt like I had a lifetime in front of me yet, by Doc (he lost his wife at the young age of 49) to live each day as if it were your last, for you never truly do know what life holds. Having said that I'm delighted you went with the Camper. Let your heart and soul soar for awhile longer in the depths of enjoying building those wonderful new memories. (Hugs) Indigo
You always seem to get to the core of a lot of truths. You inspire me to "get out and live" (as much as I can with the responsibilities that are placed on me). I can't ever see you cramping anyone's style but it's nice of you to consider that you might.
I really do admire your decision ,Your very own camper ,that is really wonderful and I for one are looking forward ,to your entrys about your adventures...love Jan xx
How wonderful to have a camper and be able to go camping with your kids. Sounds like you made a good choice. Hope you spend many happy hours in it.
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