Memory, Table for Two

When I started this Visual Bucket List, it was to create some memories of my own. Though, I quickly learned it was more than just my own memories I was making. I was making memories for other people too.

It feels pretty great to accomplish one of my memories and check it off, but I’ve also found a lot of joy in seeing how my memories are becoming memories for the people I bring with me.

Sure, some of the things I checked off I did alone or just meant something to me. Like, experiencing what a first-class flight is like. That one didn’t involve anyone, but was more of a personal thing. I grew up living in trailer parks, motel rooms, and rented out rooms in other people’s houses as a kid. I had single parents and they did the best they could, but times were rough. I didn’t know what "first class" was, I just knew it wasn’t for me. Even the day I got to experience that, I was confused and out of place. I definitely didn’t belong there. Or hey, maybe I did and that kid from the trailer park in Rockmart, Georgia finally got somewhere.

But, a majority of my list I’ve done with others. Mostly my wife Karina and the memories that she is making whether they are big things to her or not, make them special to me. I live in the moment and experience all I can, but my sights are always on her or who is with me. I’m living through them as they live through the memory I’m making.

Like…

Going to The World Series -  For me baseball has been a fixture in my life as long as I can remember. When the World Series was in Texas in 2021 it just so happened to feature two important teams. My favorite vs. my wife’s favorite. We had to go! A match up like that for us, who would ever imagine that?! So we went, and to see her happy and cheer on her team as I cheered on mine. She can now say she was there as can I… memory made.

Walking out of the players' tunnel onto Kyle Field – This memory we did as a group. I was granted the opportunity by Texas A&M University, and they asked if I wanted to bring anyone besides Karina. I said sure and started inviting friends. That day it was Karina, myself, and our friends Adam, Rob, and Rob’s girlfriend. As I walked onto the field I cried and had a moment with Karina, but I also noticed how everyone else was doing. I saw how Rob and his girlfriend were taking in the moment and taking pictures together. Most fans don’t get the opportunity to do all we did that day, and now they have the pictures and stories forever to prove it.

Meeting Cody Johnson -  This memory was different and special all at the same time. I had two meet and greet passes to the show though, I was going alone. I thought maybe I’ll make someone’s day and I went on Twitter and started searching different keywords. I found a guy that tweeted he was flying from Texas to Las Vegas for the show. We happened to have a mutual friend, so I asked about the guy and we were put in contact. I told him my story and why I was going out there and asked if he would like to do the meet and greet. He probably didn’t think I was serious until I met him in the lobby of the arena with a meet and greet wristband. He gave it to his girlfriend who just celebrated her birthday even though he was the fan. As I met Cody Johnson so did she, something she never expected. I got to make a memory for some strangers that by the end of the night became my friends.

It's those things that stand out to me. It’s making my memories but seeing the look on people’s faces as they make their own. Sure, the list started with me, but it grows within everyone that is standing there with me. That’s the special moment and a memory all on its own.