Bucket list—a list of goals or accomplishments to be
achieved by a set time.
To celebrate my fifty-ninth birthday, my husband
Tim and I traveled to one of our favorite destinations—Marblehead, Ohio. We went to visit the the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States
side of the Great Lakes. On that lovely eighty-degree day we gathered at the base of the lighthouse with a group of folks who intended,
as we did, to climb to the top and view Lake Erie.
I'll admit, it was a struggle for me. My arthritic knee, and
my new knee (replaced almost two years ago) made the journey literally one step
of the seventy-seven at a time. Thanks to Tim's encouragement, I made it to the
top. And the view was totally worth it! I loved looking out over the Lake. We catch
sight of Kelleys Island, Cedar Point, and the water that rippled for what
seemed like forever. As we chatted with fellow climbers, we learned that
several of them were afraid of heights. Yet because we wanted this experience,
we overcame our fear and enjoyed the incredible
beauty below. Being so close to the light reminded me how both male and female lighthouse
keepers-centuries before-carried heavy buckets of whale oil up the steps, no
matter what season, and kept the light shining for oncoming ships. I gained an
appreciation for their daily tasks.
The descent challenged me even more. Yet I'd probably do it again. But just in case I never have another opportunity, I crossed that one off my bucket list. Wonder what else I can do before I turn sixty.
What's on your bucket list?
I'm not sure how I'd clamber into and out of the basket, but I think a hot air balloon ride would be amazing. Or, going to one of those mass ascents that they hold sometimes. I'd like to go back to Ireland, too.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to go up in an air balloon too, Heidi. I bet Ireland was lovely.
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