When your high school friends begin to die off, it can really suck; but it can also be just the wake up call you need to make a decision you have been considering.
I recently heard about the death of a high school friend who was so dynamic and vibrant, that it was hard to believe she could die, much less at so young an age. When my younger sister died, it rocked my world. But, she had a lot of health issues and did not take good care of herself. But when Lauri died, she appeared to be the very picture of health. That kicked me in the gut!
I have been wrestling with the idea of retiring, but worried that I really couldn’t afford to do so. Now, I have decided to screw the worry and just go for it! I’m not waiting for tomorrows that may never come. Oh, I’m not leaving my job today, but I am planning and laying the groundwork to make the change when I become eligible later this year.
I was not always as close to Lauri as others from school were; but I traveled to the Bay Area a few times and we were able to get together on a few of those trips. We talked a couple of months ago when our friend Terri lost her long-time love. Lauri just wanted to make sure Terri was going to be okay.
So, thanks to Lauri Rousseau (not for dying), someone who always seemed to go for it and who put faith in powers higher than her own, for the wake up call. I’ve decided to start doing some of the things I’ve always wanted to do, but was too insecure to make happen.
I’ve actually started saying, I’m going to retire at the end of the year…out loud…to my boss! I’m looking at places to live abroad, which is one of those things I’ve always wanted to do, but never seemed to fit into my schedule.
I hope any of you that have a dream to do something that scares the crap out of you can find the courage to just go for it! I hate that Lauri is gone, and I hate that so many people will miss her, including me. But I am thankful for her friendship over the years. And I will try to remember her along with the others in my life who are no longer here every time I’m doing something I wish they were with me to enjoy. Wake up call or not, I say just go for it!
kathryndstokes 