Close Call...

[DDT (12)]

Close Call...

The overall setting seemed to conspire with the news. It was plenty cool enough for a jacket on that cloudy and drizzling rainy day outside, so confinement to quarters was deemed prudent and necessary. Obviously, a fertile setting for nagging PMS and a downward angle for moods combined to set the stage for an almost predictable reaction to the unwelcome news received in a phone call from a dear friend.

Another long-time mutual friend of ours had just been diagnosed with bladder cancer. A date for surgery had been set, so the vigil had begun with prayers, hopeful thoughts, and... worry. An unavoidable aspect of such news and concern sooner or later involves thoughts drifting towards our own certain time for such an announcement. The arrival of that inescapable moment when our time will be up… When our own personal doomsday coo-coo-clock chirps its one momentous time at last…

Also, a time when we are more than usual exposed to any sneaky entreaties from that 'Old Man', who constantly lurks in the shadows nearby waiting for an opportunity to leap to the fore and wreak havoc with our emotions and well-being. I've successfully kept that dreadful old coot at bay lately, but this time he came mighty close to getting through.

Yes, I did wallow in the negative news and prospects... but only briefly. I suppose one might speculate it was a variation of the 'vicarious' trip theme, but whatever the correct word might be, the application of that remedy surely worked wonders! Yes again, I also found myself thinking about the continuation of the coddiewomple.

I'll be departing Enterprise in only a couple of days, so thoughts of random riding again were already in the short-term cache of my thought-topic projects. It only took a modest, almost automatic shifting of 'gears' to switch my focus to the more pleasant aspects of this life... It didn't resolve any of my feelings about the sad news, of course, but it did put those bothersome prospects into a broader context and more delightful framework...

From thoughts of bedpans, assistance for nearly all necessary functions of a bedridden in-patient, right up to those last few minutes and final breaths... to... Mental views of new sights, sounds, smells, and broad emotion-driven smiles filled my consciousness. How could anyone who has ever experienced all of that not have their spirits lifted and thoughts of distant horizons frequently pop into view? Immediate sorrows fade quickly, as calming, soothing sensations engulf our bodies.

Once I had my own feelings in check, I gave my friend a call to see what sort of read I might get. I'm sure glad I did too! His spirits are high right along with his outlook. He is a naturally positive guy anyway, and he views this as just another speedbump in the road of life. I do admire his upbeat manner, even knowing he still harbors doubts and some degree of worry successfully being masked. Still...

Life is a struggle in which we all try to balance the ups and downs, fears, pain, joys, and delights. Although often overlooked and/or underappreciated, one's attitude, outlook, and spirit level are important factors that can influence outcomes, but most certainly they do influence the quality of whatever time we might have left. My friend left me with a good feeling about his condition. My mental prep before the call also had produced a good feeling for this rider in the 'on deck circle' and his own prospects... All of that has contributed to keeping that ‘old man’ in the shadows for a while longer…

DDT (12)

[old2soon]

    I went thru some life saving surgery nov last. And I've changed my outlook some. NOT a big change but still a Change. I was Almost gonna let 2moro slip away as the new trike is in front of the old trike and new trike ain't tagged up yet!  Spposed to be bout 71 or so and yet Another weather change in the forecast. And Bruce I are starin 80 square in da eyeball. I'm thinkin the RIDE Will flush away more winter caca that's been buildin up all on it's own.  I hope yer Friend be as surprised asa I wuz when I awakened in recovery and I had survived. Doc had stated better than 90-10 survival But all he wuz doin was cuttin and inserting stuff in my body to somewhat extend my best bye date!  RIDE SAFE.

[carolinarider09]

Life is a struggle in which we all try to balance the ups and downs, fears, pain, joys, and delights. Although often overlooked and/or underappreciated, one's attitude, outlook, and spirit level are important factors that can influence outcomes, but most certainly they do influence the quality of whatever time we might have left. My friend left me with a good feeling about his condition. My mental prep before the call also had produced a good feeling for this rider in the 'on deck circle' and his own prospects... All of that has contributed to keeping that ‘old man’ in the shadows for a while longer…

DDT (12)

I fully agree with your description and conclusion.  We all know we are not here forever.  Someday our time will come, the Lord will call our name and we will leave this earth for a better place.

But, while we are here, it is best for us to keep a positive outlook on life. Surely each of us (especially those of us in later years) knows that we could receive the call tomorrow.  We can do nothing to prevent that.  Be we should live each day as best we can.  Not worrying about the final day but enjoying each and every day we are given.

And like you sir, sharing our stories and life experiences with others in a positive way.  That in itself is a very positive thing to do and you do that sharing very well Sir.  Very well indeed.

 

[Valker]

Beautifully said, Bruce. I've ridden between 100 and 200 miles a day for the past several days. Weather has been spectacular with temps nearing 80° here. It's supposed to get bad Thursday which is the day of my spine fusion surgery. I will be off the bikes for a while after that, probably months, so I'm trying to store up as much riding air as I can before getting cut on.

[mbramley]

 You make a few good points as usual in your text. My Mom had cancer diagnosed 4 or 5 times, I lost track. She always said the most important thing was keeping a positive attitude. The first time was in the early 80's when Chemo was a new thing. They gave her a one in a million shot of surviving it, she did and went on another 20+ years. You could tell on the last time she had lost the fight in her and was ready to be with Dad again. I took her advice to heart when I was diagnosed and would ride to the treatments whenever possible. It was coming up to Billings Inzane and the Dr's were saying they didn't want me riding that far. After some very real conversations they agreed I needed to go and to be truthful by the last couple of nights on the way home I wasn't real sure I would wake up in the morning. So much so that the last night that i planned on getting a room I kept going pulling in to my place around 1:00 am. I do think that helped me through the rest of it though. I'm not sure if I have met the person you speak of but remind them to keep a positive attitude that you WILL beat it and keep making plans and do the things he/she wants to as best as possible.

[DDT (12)]

Dennis,

A well-known item in your legendary story is how in spite of serious adversities and hurdles to overcome, you've managed to remain positive in your outlook, energetic in your pursuit of the gusto, and still on the road seeking your imaginative goals! I'm convinced that had you given up and retired to the Lazy Boy, your number would have already been called long ago... Your formula for life's path and activity are working well for you... Let's do dinner again one of these days!

DDT (12)



Jim,

Thanks for your always positive and helpful comments! That you and I agree on many things is no surprise to this ardent observer... The sharing of your experiences and perspectives have given the rest of us insight into your own level of thought and consideration, and that has made it abundantly clear that you do work at understanding life and so many of the subtleties so easily missed by so many. Your contributions on this board are well worth the time for all of us to examine to explore your insights... Thanks for those!!!

DDT (12)



Eric,

As usual, your comments are spot on... Thank you for those! I wish you the very best this coming Thursday as 'physical preparations' for your mega trips planned for later this year are made. I know your mental state, so I have great confidence positive outcomes will result, and you will soon have your knees back in the breeze... and pain-free! Considering the fullness of your rich treasure trove of riding memories, I have no doubt there is plenty to help you through this hiccup and inconvenience. Best regards!!!

DDT (12)



MB,

While simply thinking positively and acting bravely hopeful will not automatically guarantee outcomes, it is well known, and well documented, that those qualities will have a good effect on the overall situation. The lesson is not simply to jump through certain hoops in order to skate by hardship. The lesson is that our own views and choices can and will impact how any drama will unfold. Whatever time might remain, be it days, years, or decades, the time available will be enormously impacted by our choices... and execution... Your mother's and your own stories are classic examples of that, and I thank you for sharing them!

DDT (12)

[da prez]

   Old2soon , as most know is my brother. We both had surgery on the same day. Dennis in Springfield Mo.  Me in Great lakes V.A. North Chicago Il. We were unable to support each other physically. We stay in touch.
  I gave my brother a Military Dedication Plack that is custom made by a friend. Dennis asked me to order four Placks for him on Wednesday prior to the surgeries to give to friends of his.
  I told him I would wait until Friday to order.   If he died from the surgery , I didn't want to get stuck paying for them!
  Before I get slammed for the statement , ask O2S. It was taken in our sense humor.

                                                   da prez
   

[old2soon]

   Old2soon , as most know is my brother. We both had surgery on the same day. Dennis in Springfield Mo.  Me in Great lakes V.A. North Chicago Il. We were unable to support each other physically. We stay in touch.
  I gave my brother a Military Dedication Plack that is custom made by a friend. Dennis asked me to order four Placks for him on Wednesday prior to the surgeries to give to friends of his.
  I told him I would wait until Friday to order.   If he died from the surgery , I didn't want to get stuck paying for them!
  Before I get slammed for the statement , ask O2S. It was taken in our sense humor.

                                                   da prez
   

    We as BROTHERS are as hard on each other as Only BROTHERS can be. And YES we have and continue to zing each other given the chance. But in the end and foreseeable future He Is the Only BROTHER by blood that I have left! Guess Ross and I need to start a pool to see who's leaving first!                                                     RIDE SAFE.

[da prez]

   Sniper on retainer , do not press your luck 

                                                          da prez

[t-man403]

“My friend left me with a good feeling about his condition.“

Bruce, it amazes me how often this will happen!
Go for a visit or make a call, knowing, that things aren’t good for our friend but we come away feeling better then when we arrived or ended the call. I have know idea why that is but I have my theory.

[DDT (12)]

Terry,

I don't know either, my friend, so anything I might offer would be pure speculation. I have found it to be true in my own experience as well, however! I didn't really call my friend 'to cheer myself up', of course, but that did turn out to be a side benefit...

As always, it's good to see you posting again!  I for one have missed a 'Canadian perspective' on our board... But mostly, I simply miss my friends who happen to hold different passports.

DDT (12)