Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom (And Whimsy)

Posted on July 30, 2025 under Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom with no comments yet

Ready for a parade

 

What’s on your bucket list?

The term “bucket list” gained widespread popularity after the release of the 2007 film The Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. The term is used to describe a list of things to do before dying.

Truth be told, I was never much one for having a list of “must see” or “must do” things. Early in life, I wanted to be rich and live to grow old. Sadly, I only achieved one of these! More by accident than anything, I have managed to see a handful of the world’s wonders including the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, and The Louvre.

As we get older the bucket list shrinks. We either run out of time, money, or energy. And travel has become pretty much a royal pain in the arse.

A few weeks ago, I travelled to Halifax to visit with some family members. It just so happened that the Pride Parade was to be held while I was in the city. My daughter was quite involved with the parade, organizing the participation of the military and their families. In a casual conversation, she asked me if I would like to walk in the parade with the military families. It didn’t take me long to say yes. I can truthfully say that walking in a Pride Parade was never on my radar.

I cobbled together some colorful attire and on a day that could only be described as perfection, I arrived at the Halifax Commons where the parade begins. I shouldn’t have been surprised but it was still fascinating to see the dizzying array of floats and clothing options. It was a dazzling display of color and imagination. Every sector of society was represented including religious groups, financial institutions, political parties, grocery stores and everything else imaginable. The military contingent, featuring the Stadacona Band, was the second to last group in the parade. I had lots of time on my hand, so I spent an hour or so walking around looking at all the floats.

I ran into one of my students from school who was going to walk in the parade for the first time. The Junior School in my hometown has an active GSA group which meets regularly. The Gender and Sexuality Alliance provides a space where students can meet, have lunch, and share time together. I have been fortunate to sit in on these lunch gatherings.

The thing that struck me the most was the pure, unadulterated joy on everyone’s face. In a world fraught with so much discord and enmity, it was heartwarming to see diversity being celebrated. Not everyone is a fan of the Pride Parade and what it represents.

I am one of the fortunate ones. My parents taught us tolerance and respect for those who are different than us. Let’s face it. We’re all different and unique.

The parade route was lined with tens of thousands of spectators, and they showed their civic pride by turning out dressed for the occasion. Everyone had a smile on their face. The only thing that exceeded the collective joy than this parade was the recent Provincial Special Olympics held in Antigonish last weekend. Joy on steroids!

It turned out to be one of the very best experiences of my life. And it didn’t cost a penny.

The best things in life are free.

Is there anything left on my bucket list?

KFC!

With any luck, I won’t kick the bucket any time soon.

Have a great weekend.