What to do before the world ends

What to do before the world ends this Saturday...  today...  next year... or whenever:

Put the houseplants outdoors. Set free the cats, the dogs, the canaries. And by all means, pack a carryon bag (for the ark - or the spaceship) with whatever snack foods you prefer. (I'm bringing pecans, dried cherries and a couple of pieces of string cheese.)After that...Look at your children. I mean really look at them, in the eye. Let them look into the center of your pupils where they'll find the tunnel to your heart. Find that tunnel in their eyes.Hold them. Turn off the TV and walk outside, even if it's raining. Tell your children the story of your life - especially when they were your age. Kids love (and need) that.Ask them questions. Share feelings. Kids love (and need) that, too. If you run out of things to say, experiment with just walking along together in silence.You should probably take a day off from work. You have to: look at the stars and eat the cheesecake. You have to pick up the phone and say..

• I'm sorry.
• I'd like to know you.
• I've always wanted to work here.
• Or whatever you want to say - but haven't yet.

Hold hands with your spouse. Your best friend. Your next door neighbor. Your crazy uncle. Why not? If the world is coming to end, it will be good to have a hand to hold.Tell the truth. To your mom. Your dad. (It doesn't matter if they're living or gone. They can hear you. Tell them.)Pull out your notebook and a pile of colored pencils.  Think back over the life you've lived and make a list:

• What has made me the most happy?
• What am I proud of?
• Who loves me?
• Who do I love?

What people, places or experiences stand out?What impact have you made on the Earth and its inhabitants?What do you wish you'd done more of? Less of?What do you wish you'd known?What would you have changed, if only you had the time?Is there anything left unfinished, unrealized, unsaid?Write it all down.And then, the day after (or the day before) the world has met its fiery end, start doing it.