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:
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.
Well, may all of your innards keep on keepin' on for that 45-1/2 more years!
Ed, I admire your attitude. Carry on carrying on.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Post a Comment