Another Chance.
By Jabo
@jaboUK (64361)
United Kingdom
September 27, 2015 11:39am CST
At the age of 67 my husband was being operated on for a burst ulcer, and 'died' on the operating table.They managed to bring him back with those shock machine things, but it was a real wake-up call for us.
I wondered what was the good of the money we had if he wasn't there to share it, so we resolved to make the most of the second chance we had been given.
One of the first things we decided to do was to go on a cruise. We liked it so much that we've been on another 15 since then. 
. The photo is from when cruised to Russia earlier this year.
We also spend part of our winters abroad, and we've favoured Spain for the last two years. It doesn't cost that much more than staying at home.
We're not foolhardy with our money, but spend it wisely. We worked hard when we were young and saved and invested well, so that we are now able to live as we wish.
My husband is now nearly 85 and a bit frail, but if anything were to happen to either of us now, the one who is left won't have to regret that we hadn't made the most of our latter years.
Were you ever given a second chance that made a significant difference to your life?
. The photo is from when cruised to Russia earlier this year.
We also spend part of our winters abroad, and we've favoured Spain for the last two years. It doesn't cost that much more than staying at home.
We're not foolhardy with our money, but spend it wisely. We worked hard when we were young and saved and invested well, so that we are now able to live as we wish.
My husband is now nearly 85 and a bit frail, but if anything were to happen to either of us now, the one who is left won't have to regret that we hadn't made the most of our latter years.
Were you ever given a second chance that made a significant difference to your life?56 people like this
47 responses
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
27 Sep 15
y'all've such a beautiful love story, my friend! i'm so glad that'cha got that second chance 'n 're usin' it to its fullest. i wish y'all many more happy years together - seein' the world 'n jest enjoyin' sharin' each others company. big hugs 'n love!!
8 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
27 Sep 15
@crazyhorseladycx Realistically, there won't be that many more years, but we're enjoying what time we've got. Thanks for your good wishes and hugs
5 people like this
@GreatMartin (23675)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Sep 15
Give me the morning and I'll take care of the rest!
I still am trying to figure out how to get you on my suggestion list!!
I still am trying to figure out how to get you on my suggestion list!!1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23675)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
29 Sep 15
@jaboUK "Realistically, there won't be that many more years" Excuse me!! I don't know about you but I am not going anywhere--too much to do! And the same goes for you two! :O)
2 people like this
@wetnosedogs (1533)
• United States
27 Sep 15
Happy you and your hubby got that second chance. Russia looks lovely.
5 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
27 Sep 15
@wetnosedogs Yes, it was wonderful to see some of Russia - just one of the many places we've been to since we were given another chance.
3 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
27 Sep 15
My husband had a five way bypass and was given 5 years to live but he surprised all his doctors by living 12 years. We made the best of the time we had together and spent quality time doing what we could afford to do. Spending time with friends and family and going on trips.
3 people like this
@inertia4 (27961)
• United States
27 Sep 15
Quality time is the way to look at life. Quantity is not the big thing. And you're right, what is money anyway. Without health money means nothing. You both did the right thing in making those choices. And I bet you are both grateful for those times together and the places you both have been to.
4 people like this
@Juliaacv (48633)
• Canada
27 Sep 15
Wow, it sounds like you are making the best of life since his second chance.
I had a brain tumor removed when I was very very young. I vowed to myself then that I would never ever take good health for granted. It taught me to be kinder and less harsh or quick to judge. Good can come from a second chance in many ways.
5 people like this
@Inlemay (17713)
• South Africa
27 Sep 15
That is a turn away from the light moment. wow - I had a terrible boating accident when I was 7 years old, and the propeller of the speed boat cut my head and forehead and i kind of drowned for a while . . . i was revived and all I can remember was waking up and someone cutting my long hair and bandages on my head . . . Luckily my hair grows fast and I can cover my scars with a fringe. I think that is why I always seize the moment - so afraid it will end too soon.
4 people like this
@suziecat7 (3350)
• Asheville, North Carolina
27 Sep 15
Good for both of you for making the most of your golden years and thank God for second chances. I'm pretty much done with traveling these days but I'm grateful to be able to do the things I've always wanted. I'm happy you are able to enjoy your travels together.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (159932)
• Boise, Idaho
28 Sep 15
No. I have felt rather lucky in my life. Made some bad choices but luck saw me through. Great thing you are doing and plenty of pics to look back on later.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159932)
• Boise, Idaho
28 Sep 15
@jaboUK ......That's grand. Wish you could share them here.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
29 Sep 15
@celticeagle I will put some up sometime. Here's one of the Norwegian fjords - we went there last year.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
28 Sep 15
@celticeagle I'm so glad that you have been lucky too. We do have loads of pics of a lot of wonderful places.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (216334)
• Chile
6 Oct 15
I have the same idea that you have about what life should be. I have some friends who will not go anywhere "saving for the time they get old". Their daughter tells them that they ARE old so why don´t they have some fun. As it is, they are almost 80 years of age.
I have a lymphoma on remission and have to be checked by my oncologist every 3 months. I try to have as much fun as possible between each appointment. I just came back from Aruba.
@marguicha (216334)
• Chile
6 Oct 15
@jaboUK I reminded them once that we all have to die so why just sit and wait for it to happen.
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
6 Oct 15
@marguicha Yes I've read your posts and admire your attitude. Life is to be lived, it's no good sitting around waiting to die like those friends of yours.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
24 Oct 15
@marlina Thanks for asking - he's a bit frail, but he had an ECG yesterday and his heart is no worse than it was, thank goodness. He does get breathless though, and I asked the consultant if he will be alright to fly. He said yes, so we're off to Spain in a month's time. It does him good to get away from cold grey England, and we'll stay there for a month.
@LadyDuck (460346)
• Switzerland
28 Sep 15
Janet I have read your post with great interest. I am concerned about the health problem of my husband and I cannot even imagine to live alone after so many years of marriage. I hope he will be better soon, so we can travel again together and enjoy more the real life and all the free beautiful things that nature offers us.
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
28 Sep 15
@LadyDuck Oh Anna, I really know how you feel, and I hope that it turns out as well for you as for us. As you say, it's a daunting prospect to be left alone. Unfortunately one or other of a couple will experience it sooner or later. Let's hope it's a lot later, for both of us.
All the best to your husband, and I hope he recovers soon, and that you are able to travel, just like us.
2 people like this
@Dragonairy1 (1722)
• Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
28 Sep 15
I'm pleased you both got your second chance, and have made the most of it. Are you going to Spain this winter?
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
29 Sep 15
@Dragonairy1 Yes, we're off to Spain mid-November for a month, then we'll be going again in March. How lucky are we?
1 person likes this
@Dragonairy1 (1722)
• Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
2 Oct 15
@jaboUK you certainly are, but I know you'll both have fun, and bring us back lots of stories and photos, while listening to me moan how cold it is 
1 person likes this
@KnehKnah (3584)
• Philippines
12 Oct 15
This brought tears to my eyes, my dear Momma. I hope Poppa is doing great again & is ready for another cruise. Spending time with each other is my sole wish for me & my dearly beloved too. We're not getting any younger. And I am getting more sick for different reasons. To be with him more will be a bonus for me.
1 person likes this
@Shellyann36 (11385)
• United States
6 Oct 15
That is a wonderful story. Sounds like you did the right thing. I hope that you and your husband can share many more trips together.
1 person likes this
@Shellyann36 (11385)
• United States
13 Oct 15
@jaboUK That is good. I hope you enjoy your trip together.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
6 Oct 15
@Shellyann36 Thanks Shelly. We're off to Spain for a month in November.
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21854)
• Canada
5 Oct 15
We have had lots of second chances and we are thankful for all of them. My husband worked in a field where being fired is the norm (sports) and when it happened there was always something new to do. We are in our 70's now and enjoy life both semi retired but loving life.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
5 Oct 15
@PaintsOnSlate As long as you are loving life you won't go far wrong.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60681)
• Perth, Australia
1 Nov 16
@jaboUK That first part made my heart drop. I know your husband is still alive but it just didn’t sit well with me because I can NOT even imagine how you must have felt about it. But in a way I am glad it made you realise something that is very true. That we should make the most of life and the people who we love who are in our lives. We weren’t born with an expiration date. Anything can happen at any moment.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
1 Nov 16
@VivaLaDani13 Yes, we never know when our time will come. The desolation that I felt as I sat with my son and daughter in the waiting room while they worked on bringing my husband back is something I will never forget.
1 person likes this
