Monday, September 2, 2019

The First Day of the Rest of My Life – Ready, Set . . . – September 2, 2019 – Day 2


Today is September 2, 2019, the official Labor Day Holiday. Life is quiet around here at my eastern base. Throughout most of the rest of today and into the late hours of tonight the highways will be packed with holiday weekend travelers heading back home. Many people will sit in congestion and bumper to bumper traffic, perhaps for hours, to reach their homes. And, tomorrow they'll all be expected to report to their jobs on time while virtually every school-age child will be back at school. NOT ME!

There are some things about getting older that are actually advantageous. Of course, I can't speak for everyone. For me, I've experienced all the traffic, congestion and hours long back-ups I care to experience. I've experienced in excess of 70 Labor Day and all other holiday weekends. I've been to the beaches, lakes and mountains. I've spent time with family and friends for the holidays. Perhaps, some may consider me cynical at this time, however, I'm from the school of “Been There, Done That, Don't Need Another Tee Shirt.” These holiday weekends are for those who are willing to deal with the stress, loss of priceless time and road rage . . . of others and, perhaps, their own.

I don't know about you, but I have plenty to keep me occupied in a quiet, safe, relaxed environment. Besides, there's a large container of chocolate/peanut butter ice cream in the freezer. Life is good. Actually, make that, life is great! Beside all that, after today, I begin a prolonged program of medical treatments with the objective of sustaining my 45 ½ year life plan. That's right, I'm in my 70s and I have a plan that extends for 45 ½ more years. You can do the math to figure out what that means.

Realistically, I believe if you don't have a big dream and a really long-range goal, you are just settling for whatever you get. I look at it this way. If I have a really big dream and goal and I undershoot and don't achieve that dream and reach that goal, the chances are excellent, I'll still accomplish far more than if I simply accept whatever hand I'm dealt. So, with my plan, I win if I win and I win even if I don't reach the ultimate goal. Does that make sense?

As I alluded to in yesterday's, Day 1, article during the two weeks preceding yesterday, I was hit by a “fireball” thrown at me by the universe. It was completely random. I just happened to be where that “fireball” struck. It has irrevocably changed my life. I can't go back and adjust the course. I can only accept that I've had to modify my short term plans and adjust my priorities. I could look at this as a negative situation and complain, whine and throw a tantrum over it. I could even get into a rant. However, none of that will change the facts. So, why not accept those facts and move forward through the detour and still charge toward the goal I've set.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week (the only days this week I know I'm scheduled) I'll be traveling about 140 miles each day, round trip, to and from Winchester, Virginia through the preparation stage for the upcoming course of treatments. Next week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday are booked, so far. However, I may also have Monday and Thursday added to that schedule. That isn't clear, yet. Beginning September 16th, I'll be booked Monday through Friday for at least a month and a half in the future. I won't be doing that 140 mile trip every day, though. I'll be staying with a friend in my former hometown of Winchester during the week and returning to my West Virginia base for the weekends.

Here's the amazing thing. According to all the tests I've undergone over the past two weeks. I should be feeling like hell. I should have some kind of pain, be acting and feeling like a zombie, have no appetite and generally having a hard time dealing with each day. But, I feel great! I'm not experiencing any of the symptoms I'm supposed to have. After my two ER experiences, my energy and stamina are returning. My mind is clear. I can't express it any other way than I feel GREAT. I'm sure my attitude has something to do with it. But, believe me physically, mentally and psychologically I'm not the same person who is depicted in those medical files.

I still haven't revealed the root cause of this life-changing experience I'm going through. That will come a little later down the path. I'll know a lot more after next Tuesday (a week from tomorrow) when the docs will have me put through another one of these huge, complicated testing machines that is going to look into the innards of my innards. That's all for today.

Meanwhile, live free and be happy. EH

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I very much like your attitude Ed: taking control of how you react to unexpected adversity. As the metaphor goes, you have decided to be the thermostat and not the thermometer. And this requires mastery of your thoughts and stability of emotions; well done!

Your detailing this side road reflects the philosophy of living you have developed over many years. Its value and practicality are like a sailing ship rightly ballasted and balanced. It will get you to where you want to go.

John Abert said...

Well, may all of your innards keep on keepin' on for that 45-1/2 more years!

Lorraine Frantz Edwards said...

Ed, I admire your attitude. Carry on carrying on.

Anonymous said...

I too admire your attitude Ed.
FWIW, slight parallel coincidence, I also went to ER twice a few months ago for first time, and while my particulars are different and minor in comparison, I was quite rattled at the diagnosis. Did not occur to me to get a second opinion until a friend urged me to, and lo if the second diagnosis did not quite contradict the first one. Life changing. Still processing that blessing, like dodging a bullet might feel.
Best to you sir in your steps onward.

Ed Helvey said...

Thank you, Richard. Your words are reassuring and uplifting. Indeed, as a pragmatic, critical thinking, existentialist it's just how I seem to think. I'm staying the course and remaining on my 46-year plan. I still have people to see, places to go and things to do. See you next time I'm in your area.

Ed Helvey said...

Thanks, John. I plan to be around for some time, yet. Safe travels while you're moving your "stuff" and when you head down to NM.

Ed Helvey said...

Thank you, Lorraine. There's an old saying, "You attitude determination your altitude." I plan to keep sailing high, so I have to keep the attitude up.

Ed Helvey said...

Sorry to hear about your double ER experience. I hope your ER time was as positive as mine was (other than the "hurry up and wait" routine).

I trust you're either recovered or nearly recovered from your adventure. Life can change in an instant - it sure did for me. Life changing is the term.

But, we're both still here, so let's keep living it up.