When Duty Calls...

[DDT (12)]

With all of the uncertainty, confusion and consternation of recent events and subsequent reports, it would have been easy for this mere mortal to have become distracted and lose sight of truly important stuff… like… this morning, for example. Yep, a classic situation arose, and I’m really proud to announce, with all appropriate modesty and all, that I mustered the moral courage and psychological strength, to step-up and do my duty.

Now, some might scoff at the idea of such a seemingly minor thing having any relevance in a conversation about otherwise truly ‘life and death’ matters… Well, I suppose it was a minor thing, but to me it was meaningful… and, I hope, instructive towards explaining my current mental state. I did have an advantage working in my favor, however…

Yep, I got a heads-up that sort of telegraphed what would doubtless follow shortly, so it wasn’t like I truly had to face a completely unexpected, complex situation with great gravity and make a rapid response to some meaty and urgent issue. Still, I did have a choice to make, and I think I made the correct call… The outcome, for certain, was entirely satisfactory!

Jerry said to me, as I made my way towards the ‘facility room’ to tackle the task of cleansing this scared and tender carcass, “What do you think about breakfast?” It was a serious question, and it deserved far more than some flippant response tossed back at him in some offhanded, dismissive manner…

“Anything that includes bacon can’t be bad!” I shot back without hesitation! That’s about as sincere and honest as this unsophisticated diner choses to be… in order to still be faithful to my personal ‘code’ and to maintain fidelity to my deliberate choice not to attempt to impose my own views, preferences, biases, or desires on anyone else. A bit more about that…

I’ve concluded that life ‘ain’t about me’, or even about ‘you’, for that matter… it’s about ‘us’. To the extent I can within reason, and without offending conscience or logic, accommodate, compromise, and reach consensus with another, the more the outcome will truly satisfy this committed non-combative personality. OK, I can be provoked like anybody, of course, but it takes a lot, because I don’t see my self-respect tied to getting my way or winning arguments… Success is defined by and for yours truly only in terms of ‘win-win’ outcomes.

OK, that was easy… and Jerry responded just as I’d secretly hoped he would… Soon the salivary-gland-exciting bouquet of thick-cut hickory smoked… bacon!... filled the air, and I thought to myself once again… “Life is just so grand much of the time!!!” That set the stage for the real test soon to follow, and the part about duty coming into focus to tie this back to the beginning…

Jerry, like this devoted pork lover, prepares more than a normal serving per person when at the stove working his magic… Yep, it is important to allow sufficient quantities of said delectable delights to be on-hand for proper pre-meal testing, plus additional amounts to provide for snacking after the meal… I’m mighty happy we see eye to eye on so many important topics! When, at last, offered an opportunity to sample his wares and provide feedback, I did my duty with gusto and enthusiasm! I am so proud of myself…

Thinking about all that is going on in my world presently and the profound significance of it all is unavoidable, necessary, and healthy… provided… I do have to maintain a constant vigil on how I’m thinking in addition to what I’m thinking… It is imperative that balance, perspective, realism, and objectivity be the state of mind kept engaged, and that the avoidance of negativity, doom & gloom, oh-poor-me, why me, and all that other non-productive stuff be kept out of the equation.  Likewise, wishful thinking, false hope, ‘it’s all OK’ spin, all be kept at bay as well, because that, too, is counter-productive… and worse, it can set one up for even greater disappointment later on…

Everything about all of this is a ‘work-in-progress’ kind of thing for me… I don’t have all the answers and neither does my healthcare provider team. We’re dealing with multiple uncertainties, many missing facts, and truly difficult issues subject to slight variations producing huge differences in outcomes. The odds going forward are better and more predictable that those of a crap-shoot… but not by all that much, I don’t think. So, I just keep plugging away, trying hard to discipline my thinking… all the while ‘doing my duty’ as best I can…

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Few have as good an attitude, few take their bacon responsibility’s as serious, few know the important things in life as you 

[John Schmidt]

Good for you Bruce. Now after reading your post, at 7:pm Saturday evening I suddenly have a yearn for some grits. But alas, we have the bacon 'n eggs(cackle berries as dad called them) but no grits on the shelf. Since I'm the only one in this casa that will eat them, I sometimes forget to go down that aisle when making my weekly shopping run. Hope you continue to improve. 

[DDT (12)]

Few have as good an attitude, few take their bacon responsibility’s as serious, few know the important things in life as you  

Rob,

Thanks for those very nice words! I'm just living large and loving life... How ever much remains, I'm still way ahead of projections, so I'm just proud to be here... And, I'm really looking forward to a return to the road soon... Like was said in my other thread, there are so many bugs to kill on behalf of all my buds, and I'm feeling a little derelict in my duty on that score... Jerry and I will be trying to make up for that, though, when we take our long-cut to IZ, and then the even longer cut on our return... Looking forward to chatting with you again, ol' buddy!    

DDT

Good for you Bruce. Now after reading your post, at 7:pm Saturday evening I suddenly have a yearn for some grits. But alas, we have the bacon 'n eggs(cackle berries as dad called them) but no grits on the shelf. Since I'm the only one in this casa that will eat them, I sometimes forget to go down that aisle when making my weekly shopping run. Hope you continue to improve.  

John,

Thanks, my friend! I know about grits deprivation and the accompanying withdrawals one must suffer! Been there too many times to have even a clue as to how many. However, you do know the fix for that, and when it becomes intolerable enough, I know you'll do what you have to do! As for cackle berries... if you're referring to pullet pellets, I know just what you mean!  

I've been thinking about you since your post asking about the value of getting an MRI after all... Do what makes the most sense to you... of course, I hope that works out to be the wiser choice for you! If you get to the 'coin-toss' stage without having chosen, however, then just do it! I'm sure glad I did...  

DDT

P.S. Don't forget the bacon!!!    

[NewValker]

Awesome reading this Bruce, great attitude!
Looking forward to the next ride report.
Craig

[John Schmidt]

I've been thinking about you since your post asking about the value of getting an MRI after all... Do what makes the most sense to you... of course, I hope that works out to be the wiser choice for you! If you get to the 'coin-toss' stage without having chosen, however, then just do it!
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Already had the MRI, that's what got the dr. going on wanting to do a biopsy, said "there's an area of concern that needs attention." Guess I'll go through with the biopsy, maybe the latter part of the month. Told him I'd really like to know where I stand by or before my 81st on April 2nd, nothing like a little pressure. It's entirely possible my youngest and family will be visiting from Green Bay so would be able to help with Rita in case it's needed.

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
It is my belief that a clear mind and a good attitude are the very best salve for the bumps and scrapes of life.  You seem to have those assets in your favor.

John,
I am glad you are going to get the biopsy.  Knowledge is power.  Not knowing leaves you exposed to what might otherwise have been manageable risks.  The good attitude seems to be an asset that you too possess.

[Rams]

Bruce,
Between you, Jerry, some members on the forum and other personal friends, ya’ll have me seriously considering going back into the hog production Ag businesses.   Seems to be a lot of interest in pork on this forum. 

Rams.