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| Alice and her Lab, Mabel |
I don't know if you've heard about her yet, but 15-year-old Alice Pyne, who is dying of cancer, made a bucket list that's been read around the world. We hardly ever refer to bucket lists, much preferring to encourage people to make their LIFE lists and start earlier, before they're dying. But in this case, sadly, I think Alice knows what she's talking about. Bucket list it is.
The good news is that she understands how important it is to act now, to capture those dreams we have and focus on making them happen no matter what, because that's what makes life rich and wonderful at its end. "You only have one life," Alice writes. "Live it!
I heard about this British teen as her list went viral late last week, and it hit me so hard: This little girl has been fighting cancer since she was 11 and yet, she doesn't seem to feel bitter or cheated. She's trying to use her list to empower her family, helping her sister raise money for cancer research. She's designing a mug to sell for charity. She is encouraging everyone who can to become a bone marrow donor.
Beyond wanting to leave a legacy of stewardship and activism, Alice's biggest goals put in perspective something we all know but lose sight of when life gets complicated ... our relationships should be constantly cherished and nurtured. She's planning a photo shoot with her sister and other dear friends. She wants to throw them a movie party. The simple things that make memories.
The most poignant goals are the ones she indicates just can't be done. She can't travel. She won't have a career she loves. If this doesn't help us realize how important NOW is, I don't know what will.
Here's a link to Alice's bucket list. http://www.alicepyne.blogspot.com/ Follow her journey, support her if you can. She is a special person with an important message, and I feel blessed to have heard about her.
And here's to a life well lived, no matter how short. Great work, Alice. We at Mylifelist.org are praying for a miracle for you. Thanks for the inspiration.
1 comment:
Wow -- what an amazing story and such a great lesson. I agree with Alice -- "Live It!"
I'm reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and in it she talks about not saving things for a special occasion. Use your fine china tonight! Break out that bottle of perfume you've been saving for the right moment. You only get one life -- so live it!
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