239 Days

My wife and I have great news in our life. We're having our first child! This news has brought mixed feelings for us from elation to sheer terror. One fear that struck us this morning is we only have 239 days left while it's just us - fewer by the time you read this.

This realization of 239 days is a powerful one for me. It has opened my eyes wider to life. At times we have both wished we could call a time-out. We want more than 239 days. But since we want children, it is inevitable in our life we will only have 239 days left when it is just us ? if we are that lucky. And if we are that lucky, the time will come when we only have 239 days left before our child leaves us.

We will reach a point in our life when we only have 239 days left together. 239 days left with all our loved ones ? our families, friends and our beloved pets. 239 days left to live, breathe, eat our favorite foods, walk our favorite routes. We don't know when that countdown will begin. Maybe it already has.

This day is precious. I recognize it in a way I have never before. If I waste it, I am a fool. If I spend it doing anything other than experiencing the full joy of my life, I am a fool. If I spend so much as one day doing things I do not enjoy doing, I cannot blame my lost time on time. I must accept full responsibility for not living as I wanted. It begins with me. It ends with me.

There are no problems big enough, projects important enough or situations dire enough that you cannot live the life you want. Our will to survive ensures we will overcome our obstacles to survival. What matters most is we get the most from those 239 days, every day.

I feel grateful for this wakeup call. I feel grateful that Tara and I have 239 days ? if we are that fortunate.

If you aren't doing what you love most right now, stop and go do it. If you need support, find it; make it happen. There is always a way if you are committed. I wish you all the best life has to offer. I wish you the best 239 days possible, now and always.

Best wishes, John R. Barker

Post-word: It is with deep sorrow and grateful appreciation for the process of life that I share Tara and I lost our baby. This child changed our lives and while we will never know this little being, s/he taught us many lessons about life ? and reinforced the message shared in this text.