It was around September; Fall was fast approaching, when I felt a swollen gland in my throat and asked myself, "How could I catch a cold at this time of year?" Besides not feeling well, I was feeling a little depressed because at this time of year, just before it starts to get cold, I always look back throughout the year. Then I realize that I haven't done anything special or exciting besides working; I haven't traveled, I haven't had a "first time" story for the year, and I haven't completed anything on my "bucket list." My mind drifted back to my cold and I wondered if a trip to the family doctor would treat my throat with antibiotics or if I would have to make a quick stop at the local Walgreens, to pick up some over-the-counter cold remedies. My decision was to consult the family doctor, Mr. Rivers, which, for those of you old enough to remember, could be straight out of an episode of Marcus Welby, MD. Dr. Rivers, stately and distinguished, older with slightly graying hair, used his ordinary flashlight. with the confidence of a seasoned healer. After a quick look in the throat and the familiar “ah” as he listened with his stethoscope, he always gave his patients the diagnosis before leaving. This time the visit had a different feeling because not only was the right side of my throat still hurting, but now a strange earache on my right side had surfaced. To add to my already “depressed” mood, Dr. Rivers gravely advised, “You need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.” » For the first time in an episode that I can remember, Dr. Marcus Welby, aka Dr. Rivers, was unable to treat his patient and I was advised to make an appointment with a Dr. Wright. Trujillo 2 As the pain intensified, especially when eating or swa...... middle of paper ...... terribly painful, I had time to rethink my life and the changes I had promised to do or, according to my diagnosis, would have time to do. Would I have the courage to do scary and crazy things off my list? Or should I “play it safe” and just keep my routine? Every time the phone rang, my heart would pound and I would answer nervously with a shaky voice. Finally the phone told me my fate, the results came in and the cyst is not malignant, my prayers to God sent daily and sometimes hourly were answered. Life is precious; I was given a second chance. Thanks to God's timing, I now decide to live my life to the fullest, Trujillo 4, never stopping thanking him for the things he grants me. The line from Tim McGraw's song says "Live like you're dying", now my mantra for life that is never forgotten and is always played out loud on the radio..