Something You Want to Do? Someone You Want to Meet? Do It Now, No Excuses! Here's Why... by Donna John

We got new neighbors a few months ago. They’re about 2 acres behind us through the woods, but that’s life in an acreage neighborhood. My husband, who’s the nosey one driving around to check out all the new construction, met the couple moving in, Jeff and Renee, several times, and invited them over to meet me a few times. 

The first time he came home and said they may stop by, I remember thinking, can’t we wait until all the mulch is out of the driveway and into the flower beds where it belongs. The second time I was relieved they couldn’t stop by because the potted plants that didn’t survive winter had not been replaced. Empty pots? Oh, the horror. The third time my wine supply was low and thank goodness they had other plans – now I had time to stock up before they came. What if she liked chardonnay and I only had cab?

A couple months ago we read on Facebook that Jeff’s melanoma had returned – again. Facebook kept us up-to-date on his health, and traveling voices through the woods let us know he had lots of company, and they all loved to laugh. I jokingly told my husband the next time I heard someone ask if they “wanted another beer,” I was going to yell, “Yes!” I never did. Why? Didn’t want to interfere with their day? Was something out of place if they wanted to walk over? Was I having a bad hair day? Who knows.

Right now, the mulch is no longer there, the plants have been replaced and the empty holes in my wine rack are gone – but so is Jeff. He died this morning. Do I have to tell you the lessons I learned from this? With all the wisdom I read daily from the 30Seconds tribe, probably not. Rest in peace, Jeff. I look forward to meeting your wife soon – no excuses. 

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