Posted by Sudbury Northern Life 
Do you have a "bucket list?" I do. The title and concept
come from the enjoyable movie by that very name starring Jack
Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
Before viewing the film I had never seriously thought about the
things I wanted to do in my life before I become too infirm or,
yes, I'll say it, before I die. The concept of the movie is
that we all have certain dreams of things we want to do, places
we want to visit, people with whom we need to set matters
right, before the end of our lives.
On our recent trip to Florida I was able to cross off two
places which I had always wanted to visit - without realizing
that they were indeed on my personal bucket list.
Our first stop was at Arlington National Cemetery near
Washington, D.C. It was a visit which had actually been on my
mind since American President John F. Kennedy was buried there
in November of 1963. The deep sense of respect and dignity met
my expectations. No animals were allowed and children must be
kept quiet. The straight rows of tombstones were impressive to
behold and the historical significance of this cemetery was
evident throughout. We read markers ranging back to the early
1800s with the soldiers' wives being buried beside them in this
hallowed ground. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is interred beside
her husband. Now I could cross this item off my bucket list.
Visiting the Kennedy Space Center had been on my wish list ever
since the space travels had begun. President John F. Kennedy
challenged, in his prescient speech in 1961, that America would
have the capability to send men to the moon and return them
safely to Earth before the end of that decade. His speech fired
my imagination, although I must admit that, at the time, I was
dubious of the possibility. His challenge was met in July of
1969, but unfortunately he was not alive to see it. Because of
his fervent promotion of the American space program, the area
was named in his honour after his tragic assassination in 1963.
Our visit was on a cool, windy day. We viewed the IMAX movie,
"Space Station 3D," which was excellent and gave us an idea of
what life is like aboard this space craft for months at a time.
We took an interesting bus tour, which brought us fairly close
to the launch pad where the space shuttle "Discovery" was
sitting on the pad, ready for lift-off March 15. It was an
exciting place to visit and we actually returned for a second
experience later in the week - this time also visiting the
"United States Astronaut Hall of Fame," which is located six
miles from the actual space center. Cross the Kennedy Space
Center off the list.
In 2008, on our first trip to Florida, I convinced my husband
to make a detour to Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis Presley's home of
Graceland was a "must-see." Four decades before, we danced to
his music and had both been huge fans. This was our opportunity
to visit his actual home. It was interesting and gave us a
glimpse into the excessive lifestyle of the King of Rock and
Roll. At the time we visited, the idea of a bucket list had not
yet occurred to me, but this would certainly have been one item
on it.
Do I have other things in mind which I feel I must do?
Do I have other things in mind which I feel I must do?
Visiting Rome is certainly on my list, as is visiting Lourdes
in France in my mother's place. It was something she always
wanted to do, but could not in her lifetime, due to her
terminal illness the last five years of her life.
In 2007, we made it to Paris. But one three-day visit to this
fascinating city is not nearly enough, so I must return to
explore more of the exciting capital of France this time,
including an evening at the famed Moulin Rouge night club. A
visit to the celebrated Palace of Versailles is definitely on
my bucket list.
Travelling across our magnificent Canada by train is also an
aim of mine.
Attending my grandchildren's graduations and weddings is
certainly on my list. A luxurious cruise is there also. Trips
back to the land of my birth are standard features which will
be on the list for the rest of my life. Maintaining family
connections both in Canada and The Netherlands are also aspects
which will not change. Completing my book is an important goal
I am working hard to achieve.
So many places to see, loved ones to visit often, writings to
engage in and, of course, a long life yet with my husband - my
bucket list will remain long for years yet to come.
Erna de Burger-Fex is a retired teacher and writer.
