Bucket List Moment: Best Day Ever! How One Person Can Make a Difference—Be That Person for Someone

Another Bucket List Dream Comes True

This past Friday was truly one of the best days I have had in a long time. I was able to check off another item from my bucket list, and to say it was amazing would be an understatement. This was not your typical bucket list adventure like going to Disney World, skydiving (which I will pass on), or walking the Great Wall of China—though I would love to do those too. Instead, this one was unique and personal: I got to do a police officer ride-along and even a helicopter ride-along.

I have always had a deep admiration for the men and women in blue, and a part of me has always wanted to be a police officer or detective. While I ended up working in dispute and fraud management at a bank, the desire to solve crimes and catch the bad guys never really left me. That feeling became even stronger when I recently earned my associate's degree in Criminal Justice. Getting the chance to do this ride-along was not just another checkmark on my bucket list—it was a taste of a dream I have carried for years. And it did not disappoint.

Why This Day Meant So Much

When I first made the decision to share my life publicly—through my blog, the documentary, and letting every part of my journey be an open book—I also began to feel a deep sense of spirituality that has stayed with me since the day of my diagnosis. I remember lying in that hospital bed and feeling a great sense of comfort from the cross above the door (it was a Catholic hospital). Ever since that moment, I have experienced an incredible amount of synchronicity in my life.

For those who may not know, synchronicity refers to events that occur simultaneously and seem connected, even though there is no obvious cause linking them. This brings me to the story of my recent police ride-along. The officer assigned to me knew very little about me beforehand, aside from what he had gathered from my blog, and I knew nothing about him—I even tried Googling him with no luck. I was nervous the entire drive to the station. I knew I would be on camera, making introductions and all that, but I had no idea what the day had in store for me.

When I arrived, I was first introduced to the officer who had arranged everything, and then to the officer who would be taking me on the ride-along. My first impression was that he was kind, smart, and genuine. Right away, he told me his mother had prepared some traditional South African food for me to try, and I was immediately excited. Not only did I know I was going to like him, but we also bonded over food, so we were off to a great start!

The Healing Power of Human Connection

The day was absolutely amazing. It started around 11 am and lasted until about 10 pm that evening. I got to experience everything, from the ride-along in the patrol car to an incredible helicopter ride-along. While it was a slow day for crime (which is good for the community), the time allowed me and the officer to really connect on a deeper level. I could not have been more grateful.

Even though I have always been fascinated by shows like Cops and crime dramas, this day felt like something much deeper—like God, or my higher power, knew exactly what I needed. You have probably heard the saying, “God puts people in your life for a reason, exactly when you need them.” That could not have been truer for me in that moment. Leading up to the ride-along, I had been having a really difficult week—feeling more emotional than usual, crying often, and honestly just feeling sorry for myself and my situation. This experience came at the perfect time and lifted my spirit in ways I did not expect.

I do not want to downplay the incredible things we did—the helicopter ride was unforgettable, meeting the bike cops and seeing their amazing bikes was a thrill, and every person I met along the way was impressive in their own right. However, the heart of this story is not about the activities or sights—it is about the incredible person I met and the impact he had on me.

After just a few hours with the officer, I could tell he was an incredible human being. It was surprising how much I had in common with someone from such a different walk of life. The similarities between us were striking, and the experiences we shared felt almost eerie when I look back on them.

The most powerful synchronicity we discussed was how we both face our mortality every day. Think about it—an officer puts their life on the line every day, knowing there is a risk they might not return to their spouse, children, family, or friends. And yet, they choose to do this with full commitment to protecting the community they love.

Compare that to my situation. I did not choose to face this—no one would ever choose cancer—but the way we both must compartmentalize and come to terms with the reality of our mortality is strikingly similar. Just like the officer, I have had to make peace with the fact that I may not have as much time as I once thought, and that each day is a gift.

Turning a Bucket List into a Life Philosophy

This ride-along did more than check off an item on my bucket list—it profoundly changed me. Spending the day with someone who lives each moment knowing the risks helped me realize that we are not so different. We both face the reality of our mortality head-on, yet we continue to live, show up, and make the most of the time we have.

What I learned from this incredible officer is that the strength to keep going does not come from ignoring the dangers or the fear; it comes from accepting them and still choosing to live with purpose. Just as he has made peace with his role and the risks, he takes for the people he loves and the community he protects, I too have had to come to terms with my situation. My diagnosis may have set a clock on my life, but it has also given me clarity on how precious every moment really is.

This ride-along reminded me of the importance of living fully, even when the end is uncertain. It is a call to not just survive, but to thrive—accomplish the goals that light you up, embrace the experiences that excite you, and cherish the people who cross your path. Every person you meet and every connection you make can have a profound impact, often in unexpected ways.

Life is not just about the things we do or the places we see—it is about the people we meet along the way and the shared moments that shape who we are. In the end, what matters most is living with intention and appreciating the beauty in every day, even when the days are numbered. Live as though you are dying, because none of us really knows how much time we have left.

Glioblastoma: Current Insights
Bucket List and Cancer Resilience
How Bucket Lists Bring Meaning

Tags: Bucket List, Police Ride-Along, Cancer, Glioblastoma, Purpose, Synchronicity, JohnVsGBM

Disclaimer: This story is a personal experience. If you are living with cancer or supporting someone who is, please seek support through professional counselors, peer communities, or helplines.