Saturday, 04 September 2010 -- Day 258 (271)

Doug and I watched The Bucket List tonight.  Made me wonder if Mom did all she wanted to do.  Also made me wonder if there's anything that Dad would like to do yet.  I used to think that you have to have goals and something to work toward in order to be satisfied.  There has to be more than just sitting around waiting to die, but I guess if sitting around gives you time to reflect on a life well-lived, it shouldn't matter.  A person doesn't have to visit the pyramids or climb the Himalayas to be happy.  Sharing a family dinner or watching a granddaughter's dance recital can be equally fulfilling.  Carter Chambers, played by Morgan Freeman, tells Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) that the Egyptians believe that they will be asked two questions in order to get into heaven: 1. "Have you found joy in your life?"  2. "Has your life brought joy to others?"  Mom told me she wasn't afraid to die, but I never asked her if she was ready....if there was anything she still wanted to do.  I know she had joy in her life through her family, her Sunday School kids, and being on the City Council.  I truly believe she felt fulfilled.  To the second question, yes, a thousand times, yes.  She brought great joy to everyone who knew her, whether it was for decades or for minutes.  Undoubtedly then, she was welcomed w/ open arms at the gates of heaven.