“Some day I hope you get the chance To live like you were dyin’” was part of the lyrics of the Tim McGraw song “Live Like You Were Dying.” https://youtu.be/_9TShlMkQnc. I watched this video recently that was posted on a friend’s Facebook page on the anniversary of him passing 7 years ago from ALS. I was about to play the most exclusive and arguably the best golf course in the world for the first time last week – Pine Valley. NEVER in my wildest dreams as a hack golfer did I ever think this would be remotely possible. I’ll spare you the long story of how this came to be. I think I’ was more nervous playing Pine Valley than hitting the stage for my first Stand-up Comedy routine. This 16 handicapper also had found out I was playing with a few scratch golfers. OMG!
After taking in the video I wasn’t nervous anymore. I enjoyed the round and took it all in, despite not breaking 100! My friend who passed was Steve Posso. He was one of THE most influential people in my life, when it came to the meaning of it. He fought ALS for 8 years. He lived more in those 8 years that I had done in my life. He skydived when he could hardly walk from the disease among many other firsts for him. I watched him progress from being diagnosed with ALS, to a wheelchair, to not being able to speak. He texted me the day before he passed to say goodbye and wish me well. Despite all the challenges posed by ALS he lived life to the fullest doing so many firsts.
After I watched the Tim McGraw video I thought of my sister who asked me why was I doing my year of firsts. She wanted to know if I was dying? I have been asked numerous times after the publishing of my first book, A Leap Year of Firsts, why did I decide to do my firsts. My inspiration for my book, LuAnn Cahn who wrote “I Dare Me,” had commented to me on January 24th, 2021 that “Time will give you different perspectives” (about the firsts). Watching the video was one of those times that provided a different perspective. It made me realize that by doing and continuing to experience my firsts, I was following my friend Steve in Living Like I was Dying. As Tim McGraw sings… “Some day I hope you get the chance to live like you were dyin‘.” That is what it is like doing Firsts – Try it! Life is too short – LIVE IT!