When I came up with the idea of a Visual Bucket List, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to cross off anything. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my list would help someone make their own lasting memories.
Though, that’s exactly where we are today. My list is dwindling down and Jesse’s list is just beginning.
In August, I shared a blog “You’re not on your own kid, never have been”, where I talked about some of the people I’ve met on this journey. One of those being Jesse. Like me he too is losing his vison and doctors told him the words that ring in my head “it could happen at anytime”.
Living with the unknown is tough, for me I fear sleep because of it. I went to sleep one night with vision in two eyes and woke up with vision in just one. I fear that happening to me again. Yet, it’s that same unknown that pushes us to chase down crazy dreams. Remember when you first learned to swim or ride a bike, it didn’t feel right you were nervous, you felt unsure. But you wanted it and went for it anyway. It’s a lot like that.
When Jesse and I met it was in a Facebook group, not for people with vision issues but hockey fans, I shared my story, he shared his and we realized we were in the same boat. We’d message back and forth, my list would go on and I’d see him hit like on my Facebook post of another crossed off the list.
Earlier this summer he told me about making a Visual Bucket List for himself. Knowing how much it helped me not just accomplish things but mentally gave me hope. I was all for this as I knew it would do wonders for him too. Weeks later I saw him post online about creating a list and he made an Instagram so he can share it there as well. I was beyond excited for this, I shared it with my wife and said look it’s happening.
Days later on Instagram again I see he posted a story, I clicked it and he’s on the field before a Detroit Tigers game. It happened! He crossed something off the list. I was beyond happy and again immediately told Karina.
I don’t know what’s all on Jesse’s list, but I am excited to follow along. Just knowing I had a tiny part in helping him and his family make long lasting memories is one of the greatest accomplishments my list has had. The journey and the mission of living life and making a memory you’ll never forget goes beyond me. My list started something, and that is something I never thought was possible.
With my list winding down, I want to add one thing to it. Meet Jesse. I want to hear about the things he’s done and what’s next for him.
Two guys, separated by over 2000 miles, with one big thing in common, a list that will last a lifetime.
To follow Jesse’s Visual Bucket List journey:
Love this. Thank you! Adding this to my bucket list as well! Meet Jared Dey in person!