By: Emma Thompson
Updated: Feb. 17, 2016
Originally Published: Sep. 23, 2015
In our early years as parents, we often celebrate our children’s milestones, focusing on their “firsts”: their initial steps, first words, and those unforgettable first tantrums in public places. However, as our children mature, they begin to reach significant milestones that can go unnoticed, simply because we don’t realize they’ve occurred until they’re behind us. These are the “lasts”: the final moments they drink from a sippy cup, the last time they seek our comfort before bedtime, or the last occasion we bend down for a hug.
While jogging recently, I found myself contemplating my own adult “lasts.” Having completed seven marathons in my 20s and 30s, I have considered training for another one. Life, exhaustion, and the occasional indulgence have caused a significant hiatus in my running journey over the last 12 years. Despite this, the dream of crossing another finish line remains, even if the timing never seems ideal. Injuries have plagued me too, including one that led to what I humorously refer to as The Embarrassing Subway Ride during a 10-mile race in Philadelphia.
The realization that I might have already run my last marathon struck me deeply. Would I ever reclaim the mental and physical strength to race again? This realization prompted me to reflect on other potential “lasts” in my life. For example:
- When was the last time I performed a cannonball into a pool? Did I nail that final leap?
- How long has it been since I swung on a swing set? Could that have been my last swing?
- What about dancing? When did I last hit the dance floor with friends? Have I unwittingly done my last “Lawnmower” dance, and if I wanted to go dancing now, where would I even go?
As I continued my run, I realized I had become quite adept at avoiding shorts, opting for sundresses instead. Had I worn my final pair of shorts, and did I at least look good doing it? I pondered whether I would ever skate again or if I might have seen my last episode of a reality show. Most humorously, I mused about when I last streaked down the street. (For the record, that has never happened, but my thoughts wandered during that long run.)
By the end of my jog, I felt compelled to take action regarding these “lasts.” While there are experiences I’m glad to leave behind (like excessive drinking), there are many I want to cherish. Thus, I created a list—akin to a miniature Bucket List, or perhaps a Thimble List—of enjoyable activities I commit to continuing to stave off the dreaded finality of these moments.
Here are some activities I refuse to consider as “lasts”:
- Staying up late sharing laughs and drinks with friends.
- Wearing a bikini top (I have long surrendered the bottoms).
- Riding rollercoasters.
- Attending concerts where the average age is higher than 14.
- Devouring an entire bag of Skittles in minutes.
- Jumping on a trampoline.
- Wearing youthful clothing.
- Throwing a football.
- Sledding in winter.
- Making new close friends.
- Experimenting with bold nail polish colors.
- Playing in a pile of leaves.
- Hosting a party when I least feel like it.
- Organizing a girls’ weekend getaway.
- Building a snowman.
- Pogoing.
- Bodysurfing.
- Enjoying body shots.
- Shopping at the Body Shop.
- Splurging on an extravagant lipstick.
- Wearing Athleta dresses throughout summer.
- Wandering aimlessly in New York City.
- Jumping in puddles during a rainstorm.
And yes, I refuse to believe that I’ve run my last marathon. It remains on my Thimble List, which means I must make it happen. If my body doesn’t comply, well, there’s always the option of streaking!
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In summary, life is filled with both firsts and lasts, and it’s essential to savor the moments we cherish while acknowledging those we may let go. By actively engaging in the experiences that bring us joy, we can continue to embrace life’s adventures, regardless of age.