Living Life with no regrets - Bucket List June 19, 2012

There was a time in my life, after coming back from Operation Desert Shield/Storm, I became disabled and did not want to live. When my son Leon was alive, I cannot tell you how many suicide attempts I racked up. I had an appointment with Dr. Death as I refer to him. My son struggled with this, as he still felt I had much to live for. I could not see what he could see at that time. When he came down with a brain tumor in his brain stem, ( Gliobastoma Multiforma ), he fought so hard to live despite the fact that there was no cure or operation that could save his life. He taught me how to live. In 2011, I was told I had breast cancer. It was the darkest moment in my life since losing my son in 2002. A friend of mine named Donna, told me to make a bucket list of things that I've always wanted to do, but for whatever reason have not done in a long time or just have not done. I have found that over the years, I have used my disability or physical challenges as an excuse to not do things I enjoyed or have enjoyed in the past. What I have found put, is that some of these things can be accomplished if I ask others to participate in them with my friends. My friend Donna told me that when I beat the cancer, to continue with the bucket list as it would give me something to look forward to each day. What I've found out along the way while making these plans, is that it also has given me real joy in living life. I also would be amiss if I didn't mention that because of my faith in Abba father, Yeshua and the power of the Holy Spirit has all to do with where I am in my life today. I do not push or cram my faith down others because I know how I felt when others did that to me. I've tried almost every major and minor religion there is, to include satanism, wiccan, and have found for me, that being a Messianic believer is the only faith that has changed my life. I would also be amiss if I did not give credit to the many friends in my life who helped me get to where I am today. When I was at my worst, you all stayed by my side and loved me where I was at and saw a better future for me. My favorite verse that helped change my thinking is: Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord: plans for good and not evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE. Today I have a hope like I've never had before. And with that hope is the joy in living. Everything in my life is not going great, with no trials or hardships and I am not perfect. But what I can say, is that I know I can get through each day, even if it means a minute at a time.  Below, I am posting some of the things on my bucket list. And I'm still adding to it. It is my hope that others would be encouraged to do the same thing in their life and not to let disabilities, physical or mental challenges, nor chronic illness or pain stop you from living and enjoying life. I want to thank everyone in my life who have encouraged me and walked alongside me to help me love life. (1) Friday May 11th - I will be getting a Mohawk haircut. Will post pic. My son tried to talk me into doing this when he was still alive. But I was more worried about what others would think about me. Wish I would have done this when he was still alive. He would have cracked up. (2) Working on going on a camping trip with friends near end of June, beginning of July. This way, I have people who can help put tent up. This will now have to wait till the fall gets here because of the heat. (3) Looking for friend or friends who can take me on a hunting trip. No, I'm not going to shoot Bambi. Just want the experience of hunting. I would purposely miss on my aim. (4) As much as I have a fear of heights and flying, I want to sky dive. A friend told me about a place in Tampa that works with disabled as well as paralyzed people to accomplish this goal. Now I know I will have to invest in some depends, as I know I will pee myself. (5) Looking for a kind soul who will let me ride a horse. In my younger days  I use to train horses for barrel racing and took care of horses. I keep calling this place in Archer, Fl who have therapy horses, but they never return my calls. So if anyone out there knows them, or another organization, or person who can help me accomplish this goal, please call me or have them call me @ 352-215-1527. Thanks {This was done Saturday August 11, 2012. Thanks to AVET Project @www.avetproject.org, Sancturary Island, and Heavenly Hoofs.} (6) Would also love to jet ski. (7) Would love to have the means to be able to work on my autobiography. That would require a good computer or laptop. I would love an Apple for this project. I wrote a small book about my experiences in the war. But at the time I was a very angry person and it shows in that book. Now I want to share all the changes and good that has happened and continues to happen. (8)  I know this is a long shot, and not sure it is attainable. But would love to foster a child again. Maybe even adopt. I did foster two kids years ago, but was not in a place of healing in my life as I am today. I would really like to make a difference in a child s life again.(9) Would love to ride in a helicopter. Going to do that on June 20, with friend Mary Kay and her son Phillip. (10) Would like to take another airboat ride. (11) Would love to scuba dive sometime. Ok, that is enough for now. Please feel free to add suggestions to this list. And I will be adding to this list from time to time. Also feel free to call me @ 352-215-1527, if there is anything you can do to help me accomplish some of these goals.Thanks, Candy Sweet Lovett