Recently, New Orleans’ Will Horswood passed away, at the very young age of 47, from cancer. Each time we experience the loss of someone so young, our decision to take off on this crazy travel adventure is confirmed. A large factor in our early discussions was the untimely death of my friend and co-worker, Elizabeth “Biffy” DeBuys. Biffy was the picture of health, a beautiful 45 year old woman with a wonderful husband and 2 great, middle school age kids, when she was suddenly diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Biffy had never smoked. Within 6 months of her diagnosis, Biffy was deceased. It is shocking, and extremely disturbing, to see someone who appears to be so healthy become so ill and pass away so quickly. Just prior to Biffy’s death, my uncle Michael Motto, age 52 passed away from brain cancer. Michael was a great guy and a school teacher. His was also a short illness with about a 6 month span from diagnosis to death. Finally, only a few short years ago, our friend, Brian McGill, suffered an aneurysm while making his coffee one morning. He was found later that day by co-workers, his dogs lying beside him. He had just turned 50.
Daily we as humans say “I’ll do that when I retire” or “one day I’ll actively chase my dreams”. Well, that day may never come if your life is cut short by an accident or unexpected illness. Obviously, we do not encourage living irresponsibly or with no eye to the future, but DO NOT live for tomorrow!!! Make the most of each day on this beautiful earth, tell your friends and families that you love them, and make your dreams a reality before it is too late. What would you do if you were told you only have 6 months to live? Phyl and I have no idea how long we will have together to enjoy each other’s love and companionship, or to live our dreams. That is why we decided not to wait until retirement and took this leap now.
