At 29, I wrote a list of the things I wanted to do before I die…
It was long and varied and even as I crossed items off, it continued to grow. At 74 years and 3 months, and just diagnosed with terminal cancer, I may never complete that list. We may be reticent to admit it but no one has the time to do everything they want, and I will not mourn for things left undone. I choose to celebrate that which I have been fortunate to experience and the friends and colleagues whose paths crossed mine along the way; they are the treasures I will take with me from this world.
Until the day I seek redemption before my maker, I will continue to live and maybe, just maybe, I’ll find the time to cross a couple more items from my list before the clock winds down to its final tick.
Disclaimer: For the record, I am not 74+ years old yet and I do not have cancer. These six fictitious sentences were inspired by Sadje’s What Do You See? image prompt. It started me thinking about how someone just diagnosed with a terminal illness may view their bucket list when faced with the inevitable. If and when I get there I hope I handle it like the 74 year old in my narrative above.
Written for What Do You See? #120 at Sadje’s Keep It Alive Blog.
Written for Fandango’s One Word Challenge at
This, That, and the Other
Word: reticent (2022-02-05)
Written for Six Sentence Stories #198 at GirlieOnTheEdge
Word Prompt: redemption
Photo: Google Photos
Copyright 2022 Greg Glazebrook, All Rights Reserved.
Greg's Blog 
You had me convinced that this is a true story. Very well written Greg and I love the message behind your story. Thanks for joining in
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Thanks Sadje. Glad it touched a chord. I had to add the disclaimer because of something I wrote a while back. It was about losing a parent and after publishing I started to get condolences from readers. The piece was emotional but pure fiction. I felt like I’d deceived the reader, albeit unintentionally, and I really was at a loss as to how to respond. Didn’t want that to happen this time
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You’re welcome! I think it’s a hallmark of good writing that your readers are throughly convinced of the fact presented in your story as being true. 👍🏼👍🏼
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I really thought that you were 74 and had terminal cancer. I was going to comment how sorry I was. And then I read your disclaimer, which was a great relief. You really had me going, there. Great writing.
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Good one, Greg. I’m grateful for the disclaimer (a very good idea).
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i too was totally convinced. How old are you? I am very glad you dont have cancer. my comment was going to be quite different before I read the other comments and the disclaimer.
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I’m 53, and knock on wood, in good health.
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Pleased to hear that Greg, and long may it continue. We should’ve guessed your age from the number in the address of your blog 😉
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Great six
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I am glad it is fiction! And it is what fiction is meant to do, make us connect and think about life.
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I agree, though. Grab at those stars as you go rocketing by, and don’t regret the ones you missed…
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It sounds like he may miss he most important item not on the list.
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74 is the new 53 – as I know! Hopefully, his maker will grant him a little more time to continue crossing things off.
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Good one, Greg. Totally read like a most convincing bio Six!
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Wow. Like other’s have said, such well-written fiction (thankfully). KL ❤
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Thank you.
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