D is for Delaware

Delaware

Growing up just a ferry ride away from the First State, you would think I’ve spent loads of time here, but that’s not the case. In fact, my first memory of Delaware was not until 2000, for my cousin’s wedding, other than driving through it en route to somewhere father south.

Sometime in 2004 or 2005, I went to visit my best friend at the University of Delaware for a party. I’m pretty sure we stayed the night, but we also might’ve decided to leave at some ungodly hour. This was the first time I saw people attempt to synch up Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” with the Wizard of Oz. It was underwhelming - I think I just appreciate each of those separately too much.

I also spent a couple of hours in Lewes, Delaware while waiting for a ferry in 2009 when I was on another long road trip (I adore road trips. Can you tell?). A friend of mine was studying for his Master’s Degree in Oceanography or something interesting like that, so we made a pit stop.

In 2016, I took the ferry to Delaware again with a group of friends on bicycles to brewery hop. The day was lovely and I don’t remember how many miles we rode, because, well, there were a lot of breweries involved.

View aboard Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Brewery Bicycle Tour in Delaware

The thing is, D is for Delaware, but it also stands for something else and it feels like a good time to bring it up, because it’s the drive behind all of these quests.

D is for death. Death is where it will all end. And I still cannot comprehend why so many people come up with excuses to not pursue their attainable dreams today. You will die and I know this isn't the first time you're hearing it.

Because we don’t know when that time will come for us, all we can do is live now. I feel that with every cell in my body.

Knowing that I may not see tomorrow gives me the strength to power through my fears. I would rather die trying than waste my life making excuses or living in fear. Because it’s an adventure. Because it’s my one and only life and I don’t want to look death in the eye someday regretting the things I did not do.

So, if I die tomorrow, God forbid, I know that I did as much as I possibly could in the amount of time that I was given. And even though I wish I had more time, at least I know I didn't put it off for some unpromised future.

If you’re putting off your adventures for when you retire, or when you have more money, or the kids are out of the house, or your car is paid off, or whatever lame excuse you want to pretend matters, I am envious that you believe that time is guaranteed for you. I have never had the luxury of believing in that fairytale.

If you're alive and healthy now, please go for it! What is the worst thing that will happen? Live your destiny. Or accept that maybe you don't actually want to, but at least be honest with yourself about it. For you. And for those who can't and wish they could have.

With love, Chelsea