March 27, 2023

     Interesting question. I can honestly say I enjoy writing. But I do not like writing for others. As a former reporter, I found out early on publishers, editors and anyone above you like to get out of the kitchen when it gets hot. And they did.

     Excuse me. Not all. There was an editor back home that ran the first paper I wrote for. He stood up, after the paper was threatened with a lawsuit, when he ran one of my very first, paid, articles. Some of you may remember ‘Sandy Beach.’ Yeah, it was her, the concert giver. Enough of bygones. Yet, I have snickered over it, from time to time, throughout the years. She never did sue.

     Back to why I’m here. Most of you are aware that my health isn’t so grand. I get around alright but hadn’t been occupying enough time. Got complacent other than the birthday month fun and a few Tigers games through the summer months. That’s no place to be. Too much time to ‘over-think,’ 

     ‘Over-thinking’ in itself is worse than any broken bone or surgery you can have. It lingers. Stews. Just eats at you. My advice to anyone in that situation would be to make your mind up. One way or another, do it or don’t. But don’t think why. You know the answer, it’s either right or wrong. Binary. Simple. Yoda described it best without even thinking it. Forgetting there is ‘no try’ he said “do or do not.” That’s your choice.

     Many of you helped, but two in particular stepped in very early on dating back to my colon surgery in 2021.  

     The first showed me compassion by calling me in the hospital. Actually, wrote down the phone number from my room’s wall, while I posted a video after surgery. With that encouragement, my little ‘Charlie Brown Christmas Tree,’ that first year (I hadn’t set one up in eons prior to), grew to what it was this past year. Oh, and did I have fun! Watch out, because it’s going to be even better this year!

     The other showed me happiness and taught me how to smile again without any pretexts. Three words, and a hashtag is what won my heart. Why Not Smile, the Cosmos surely knew what would happen when we collided! Life is good!

     I bet by now a certain third person is thinking what about me. I haven’t forgotten you. You fall under the ‘Guardian Angel’ category. Here’s someone that texted me every day throughout my latest battles. A good morning check-in and at night, even in the hospital, till I got tired and fell asleep. I still get those texts even afterwards.  That’s special! So are ‘Guardian Angels.’ 

     That makes it three reasons why I am here (definitely have to change that in my bio) and to give back a little something. Appreciation. Adoration. Or to just say ‘thank you.’ I know you wanted me this way and I feel it now. 

     Plus, maybe a bit of self-serving, egotistical gratification too. But there’s nothing wrong with patting yourself on the back for fighting your struggles. Or is there. Don’t ‘over-think’ it.

     Thanks for tuning in to what appears to be a life changing adventure! See you soon with a new story. 

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