I have never been to Disneyland, or Disneyworld. I have been inside the Disney store at the mall.
I have never visited the Grand Canyon in the fifteen years we’ve lived in Arizona. I saw it when I was thirteen and not yet afraid of heights. I wrote poetry about it, even.
I have never jumped out of an airplane and never intend to.
I have never ridden in a hot air balloon. Not so sure I want to do that. Although it looks peaceful, the height thing might get to me.
I have never traveled outside of the United States. Unless you count British Columbia on a day trip. I guess you could, it’s Canada, after all, right? You’d think I’d have made it to Mexico by now, but haven’t had much reason, money or desire to do that.
I have never been overseas either. That’d be cool. I’ll have to start a bucket list, maybe.
I have never met anyone really famous. That’s okay by me. They’re just like every other person except a bunch of people know who they are, right? Yeah, sour grapes here.
I have never been to a big rock concert. This holds some interest in the back of my mind, but not enough to really do anything about it.
I have never successfully ridden a skateboard. Tried once, landed on my backside. Snowboarding, I suspect would end up the same way but with more dire consequences.
I have never spent more than three seconds upright behind a boat trying to water ski.
I have never had a conversation in a foreign language. I’d like to change that.
I have never gone cliff diving, or cliff jumping. There’s that afraid of heights thing again.
On the other hand…
I have spent a night in the wilderness alone.
I have gone rock climbing at five months pregnant.
I have experienced the joy of skiing many times.
I have watched a grandchild being born.
I have known the love of a kind husband.
I have reveled in the beauty that is Alaska.
I have been part of friendships that lifted me and helped make me whole.
I have enjoyed the blessing of extended family reaching out in many directions.
I have had the once in a lifetime amazement of being on a cruise ship on the ocean.
I have kayaked in the ocean.
I have been involved in something bigger than myself.
I have firsthand seen the wonders of Yellowstone Park multiple times.
I have lived in many different places in the United States and found all sorts of wonderful.
I have driven a snowmobile, and a motorcycle.
I have ridden my bicycle long distances, even conquered a pretty big hill a few times.
I have given birth and held those miracles in my arms and watched them become adults.
I have felt the exhilaration of a second wind that comes when running past exhaustion.
I have felt satisfaction, holiness, peace, joy, serenity, contentment.
I have been changed by some experiences that are unspeakable, unshareable.
I have tried to be true to myself, honest with others, kind, helpful, real.




