He Never Said “I Can’t”

My dad magnetized people. They were drawn to him like those fly strips you hang in your garage. And he had friends all over the world. 

Not only did he have a boatload of friends, Dad lived life in full technicolor, 4D…or whatever the latest techno-trend is today. I’m not very tech savvy as you can see.  Dad accomplished so many things. When he set his mind on something, say like playing the guitar, photography, or sailing, he worked at it until he did it, and did it well. Then he moved onto something else. Always moving forward. Always adding to his collection of accomplishments and inking in check marks on his bucket list. That is something to be admired. 

I don’t recall Dad ever saying I can’t.  He lived his life knowing he could. So he did. 

I, on the other hand, said I can’t a lot. Mostly, because of fear. Fear of failing. Then what would people think of me? What would Dad think of me? Sometimes I didn’t pursue interests because of my concern with time and/ or money. It was easier to say I can’t. Following the path of least resistance. Shame on me.  

Yesterday marked the 4th anniversary of his death. Dad and my mom left way too soon. They were both in their 70’s which is too young in my mind. Especially now that I’m in my 60’s. 

My bucket list has dwindled greatly as I have gotten older. Often dreams change with time. What was once important sometimes no longer is. And that’s okay. I’m happy with that. But there are some things I want to do before I can’t. So I will. 

♥️

Andi