I completely understand the "need to do things". When my hubby came down with heart failure almost 5 years ago, we came up with a "bucket list" (before the movie came out!!!). Persons with his diagnosis live an average of 8 years after diagnosis. I know he'll live longer - heck, he has a good nurse!!!
But we certainly started traveling and doing some of the things we wanted to do together.
Then, this last spring, his best friend, who was 65 years old, healthy as a horse, did not have one single chronic illness, developed MRSA (methicillin resistant staph aureus) and died within a week. That REALLY solidified our vow to try to do the things we could in the next few years.
My husband adores the mountains, and prior to his heart problems, we vacationed in the mountains of Colorado/NM every summer in our fifth wheel camper. Now, he cannot tolerate the altitude and it just killed him to have to give up those trips. Last summer, we discovered that much of Alaska is at sea level, yet there are gorgeous mountains everywhere! Thus, it is the best of both worlds for him. He can breathe at sea level and he can gaze out at the magnificent mountains - not to mention the fabulous fishing available in Alaska. This summer, as we topped the hill overlooking Homer Alaska, he said, "This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life". When I think that I was with him while he was viewing the most beautiful place ever, it just brings tears to my eyes. It is because of our vow to accomplish what we can from the bucket list, that we took the plunge and topped that hill.
Five years ago, my husband was in pretty good health, working fulltime and just woke up one morning in full blown heart failure (at age 54), no warning, it was just there. He has not been able to work a day since. It was such a shock - but bottom line, it can happen to anyone.
So yes, everyone, do the things you can - while you can do them - you never know what tomorrow will bring.