McConnell Center: Ageless Dreamer reminds us to seize the day 

Article Date: Sunday, November 2, 2008

Ageless Dreamer asked me to write a few words about my volunteer experience in September but I had the hardest time putting my day with the dreamers into just 600 words. Because 600 words cannot capture a day or lessons that I will not forget.

I had the privilege of attending a Boston Red Sox game with two of the biggest fans in Red Sox nation. Both men had not been to a game at Fenway in over 50 years. Both were huge fans. One dedicated a room in his two-bedroom apartment to all things Red Sox. One had an original Ted Williams shirt framed above his bed in the assisted living home.

Both were eager to escape Dover, assisted living and all things that reminded them about being dependent on others. That day in September, we were three fans attending a Red Sox game.

The day could not have been better. A perfect fall day with blue sky and just enough sun to keep you warm. As we rode up in the elevator, my friends were anxious to see the field and get to our seats. When the elevator doors opened, the look on their faces said it all. They had arrived at Fenway. This was their dream and it had come true.

For all of the rearranging of schedules, the piles of work I was not addressing back on my desk, the child care pick up for my kids after work, and the responsibility of getting two gentlemen to their game, it was all worth it. Not only did I get to live part of their dream, they reminded me of some life lessons I had forgotten.

This is what I learned from their dream:

— Do not have regrets. Do not wish you had not attended that game at Fenway because you never know if it will be your last. You will not remember that meeting or memo but you will remember the day you saw the perfect game with your friends.

— Eat what you like now because one day medicine or disease may prevent you from eating the things you love. That hot dog and beer tasted even better on that day.

— Drive! The loss of a license is more than the loss of car. It is the loss of independence. I will never complain about my horrible driver's license photo again. I have a license and I can drive. I will stop complaining.

— Enjoy your kids now because some day they may not be around. Life does not follow a plan, so do not put off that hug, kiss, or story time for later.

Thank you to Ageless Dreamer and the two biggest fans in Red Sox nation who reminded me live my life now. I took a new job with a huge promotion to challenge myself. I did not want the regret of not trying something outside of my comfort zone.

I eat dessert first because one day my teeth may not let me eat ginger snaps. I call my neighbors who cannot drive at night or long distance when I am headed to the mall or grocery store. I drive an SUV so there is always room for one more. I go to the park almost every day with my kids; I say yes to making mud pies and movie nights.

Consider giving your time to volunteer for Ageless Dreamer. The time spent just may change your life.