Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Philip MacKinnon

My Grandmother passed away recently and looking back she raged against the dying of the light. In 73 years she served on countless boards and teams, represented herself and her people in from the provincial government and never stopped living.

In her life my Grandmother accomplished what she wanted to do. She traveled to California in a motor home with her bowling team, stood before the Premier of Ontario, and most recently lied about her age to go ride in a hot air balloon.

Growing up with people who feel that life is to be lived has helped me greatly in my own life, it has given me the unique view that life is to be lived and explored. I try and search for new expierences and I have little fear of the the unkown, life is to be lived not watched.

Searching for a new experience and trying it all has gotten me in trouble, but helped me as well. When I was younger I questioned authority, talked back to people who I should not have (my jaw still cracks from one lucky punch), and participated in questionable activities. These events have helped make me who I am, and I learned a lesson from all them.

I feel that the now famous line for Dylan Thomas' poem is a reflection for my life. That line has acted as my incentive to continue forward and accomplish my goals. Continuing in my education away from home was an experience that seemed a daunting task, but offered new experiences so I continued on with it. As I live my life I look forward to what's to come, and wonder what new experience's are out there.