MARY LAMPHERE AUTHOR

–but then again,
does it count as a regret if it’s purely circumstantial remorse?

I could have attended the Prince concert with friends in 2014.
I didn’t go because I was ‘too busy’.
And…
I thought I’d have another chance.

I haven’t been to a stadium show in decades. Too many people. Too much money. Too much hassle.

I never experienced Lollapalooza at Grant Park.
The expense, traffic, heat, sweaty masses, and it’s always over my anniversary weekend.

Give me a live band at The House with six people in the crowd, an eight buck cover, and free parking in downtown DeKalb, and I’m quite happy.

I reflect on all the shows I missed at Otto’s, Andy’s, and The House. Convenient, cheap, and local venues with some kickass bands. But I didn’t go. Otto’s is long gone, Andy’s, too. And The House is closed. Before covid. What are the chances something will reopen downtown DeKalb any time soon?

I could go on and on about things I didn’t do.
At the time, I didn’t want to.
Now, I wish I had.
I miss the opportunity, the luxury, of being able to NOT go.
How lucky were we before, when staying home was a choice?

Regrets, I have a few
and the list is ever-growing…

And yet, what am I not doing now that I will look back and kick myself about?
Seriously, finish that damn book, Mary.