A shock last Friday evening, word that Sweet Bear's other brother died. Very much unexpected, he was 79. He had not been feeling well, and told his girlfriend he was going to bed early and if he wasn't feeling better soon he would see his doctor. She checked on him the next morning and he was dead on the floor of his bedroom. He was very private about his health, evasive in answering questions, so we really don't know what all might have been going on.
What does this make me contemplate?
How many more years do we have?
A reminder that for most of us our life expectancy, is longer than our good health expectancy (by two or three years on average.) So have fun while you are well enough to do so.
I booked airline tickets to return from next springs great adventure the other day. Airline tickets across the pond are expensive next May, and one way tickets are more expensive than round trip tickets (we are taking another cruise across the Atlantic.) After due consideration, and despite my feeling that I was spending needlessly, I booked Saga Class, aka business class / first class on Icelandair. Bottom line was spending probably an extra $1,000 over the back of the bus (economy, coach, aka steerage.) I felt guilty about it, then a couple of days later we are reminded that we are not going to live forever, and when you are dead the extra few dollars don't make a difference. You are dead just the same.
Another short trip for a funeral is coming soon.
I tried premium economy for the first time on this past trip across the Atlantic and to LA. I think it was worth the splurge for the 11 hour flight. However, the next time I head to the east coast, I might go back to steerage. It's not too bad for the 7 or 8 hour crossing. Especially on a B-787, which I found to be a comfortable plane (that was four years ago).
ReplyDeleteWe flew Premium Econ on British Airways last may, it was 2 by 2 seating like business class on smaller planes and the service was good.
DeleteI agree with you totally. After the sudden and unexpected death of a close friend aged just 63 we now spend whatever it takes to make our travels comfortable. Business class flights and 4/5 star hotels (within reason). We have no children to leave our savings to and we have just enough in the bank to fund a few more travels in comfort whilst we are still fit enough.
ReplyDeleteYou enjoy yoursel while you can!
My idea of roughing it is staying at a Holiday Inn.
DeleteCondolences to your Sweet Bear on the loss of his brother.
ReplyDeleteThank you, it has been a rough year.
DeleteThanks Debra ❤️
DeleteWow, losing two brothers in such a short time. Condolences to SB and you. And yes, we need to enjoy life as we choose, even if it means spending that little extra. We can't take it with us.
ReplyDeleteTen weeks apart, we are both getting down the end of the branch on the family tree.
DeleteThanks Diaday ❤️
DeletePoor Sweet Bear! You are right - that's a wake up call to enjoy life while you can. I hope he has happy memories of time with his brothers to comfort him during this sad time.
ReplyDeleteWe are so glad we stopped there on the September road trip and had one of his daughters arrange a family dinner out.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about SB's brother. Losing such close family members so close together can be hard to deal with. You are so right about doing what you want to do now. Life is unpredictable and we should enjoy it while we can.
ReplyDelete