The Bucket List
No, this isn't about the movie with Jack and Morgan. Rather, it's about the concept.
The Bucket List is a series of things you want to do before you kick the bucket. For some, it's about places they want to go, or special activities. For others, it's about accomplishments or achievements. My list has been blessedly ticking away. As an example, I wanted to have a huge premier at Roy Thomson Hall or other such venue. That happened at 25. I wanted to have a life partner. That has been ongoing for almost nine years. I am fortunate enough to have a great family, a supportive network, and a job/career I can be proud of.
However, there was just one thing I really wanted to tick off, and never thought I would have the chance.
Back at Claude Watson, between grades 5 and 8, I wasn't exactly the most popular person. Okay, I was teased mercilessly and felt awful about myself in general. There was, though, one person who always treated me with kindness, dignity, respect and caring. That person was Kathleen Tilly. It was never a "crush" to be sure, but she was always the sweetest girl in the whole grade, and her smile would always help brighten up the darkest days. The last time I saw her, barring a 20-minute brief run-in at Greg's in 2000, was the end of grade 9. That's 13 years ago.
I always wanted to thank her for all the kindness she showed me. I know, it sounds a little stalky or something to hold onto that wish, but kindness that people show will always linger in memory. Me being the whiny, sensitive and emotional guy that I am, I really wanted to express to her my gratitude for her caring and her character.
Imagine, then, my surprise that her best friend found me on Facebook. Well, I suppose that shouldn't surprise anyone these days, but that Sarah (her friend) said that Kathleen really wanted to get in touch with me as well. We finally got in contact via e-mail and after a couple of false starts, met up for a reunion coffee of sorts.
The years have been very good to Kathleen. Though her face has changed a bit with adolescence, her eyes and smile remain radiant. That same sunshine and apple-pie vibe from yesterdecade still remains. She's going to be a teacher, which is exactly up her alley. We had a wonderful time catching up, and I was so happy to see this friend after so many years.
But most importantly, I was able to express my thanks to her after all this time. Of course, she modestly replied that she didn't really do anything except be herself, but that was the whole point. I feel like I've exhaled after 13 years, and am beyond thankful to whatever fates, deities or karma allowed this to happen to me. This was a very important thank-you to give, and I'm extremely humbled that I could.
There's a lesson here: Don't allow something to go unsaid. Something as simple as an "I love you" to a parent or loved one, giving thanks to those who've shown you kindness, and humility to those who thank you as well. There are many people who regret not giving thanks, praise or love enough in their lives. Never in a million years did I ever think that I would be able to thank Kathleen Tilly. I'm so grateful to have had the chance.
My spiritual cup is filled tonight.
The Bucket List is a series of things you want to do before you kick the bucket. For some, it's about places they want to go, or special activities. For others, it's about accomplishments or achievements. My list has been blessedly ticking away. As an example, I wanted to have a huge premier at Roy Thomson Hall or other such venue. That happened at 25. I wanted to have a life partner. That has been ongoing for almost nine years. I am fortunate enough to have a great family, a supportive network, and a job/career I can be proud of.
However, there was just one thing I really wanted to tick off, and never thought I would have the chance.
Back at Claude Watson, between grades 5 and 8, I wasn't exactly the most popular person. Okay, I was teased mercilessly and felt awful about myself in general. There was, though, one person who always treated me with kindness, dignity, respect and caring. That person was Kathleen Tilly. It was never a "crush" to be sure, but she was always the sweetest girl in the whole grade, and her smile would always help brighten up the darkest days. The last time I saw her, barring a 20-minute brief run-in at Greg's in 2000, was the end of grade 9. That's 13 years ago.
I always wanted to thank her for all the kindness she showed me. I know, it sounds a little stalky or something to hold onto that wish, but kindness that people show will always linger in memory. Me being the whiny, sensitive and emotional guy that I am, I really wanted to express to her my gratitude for her caring and her character.
Imagine, then, my surprise that her best friend found me on Facebook. Well, I suppose that shouldn't surprise anyone these days, but that Sarah (her friend) said that Kathleen really wanted to get in touch with me as well. We finally got in contact via e-mail and after a couple of false starts, met up for a reunion coffee of sorts.
The years have been very good to Kathleen. Though her face has changed a bit with adolescence, her eyes and smile remain radiant. That same sunshine and apple-pie vibe from yesterdecade still remains. She's going to be a teacher, which is exactly up her alley. We had a wonderful time catching up, and I was so happy to see this friend after so many years.
But most importantly, I was able to express my thanks to her after all this time. Of course, she modestly replied that she didn't really do anything except be herself, but that was the whole point. I feel like I've exhaled after 13 years, and am beyond thankful to whatever fates, deities or karma allowed this to happen to me. This was a very important thank-you to give, and I'm extremely humbled that I could.
There's a lesson here: Don't allow something to go unsaid. Something as simple as an "I love you" to a parent or loved one, giving thanks to those who've shown you kindness, and humility to those who thank you as well. There are many people who regret not giving thanks, praise or love enough in their lives. Never in a million years did I ever think that I would be able to thank Kathleen Tilly. I'm so grateful to have had the chance.
My spiritual cup is filled tonight.