The Thoughtful Wanderer: THE THOUGHTFUL WANDERER'S BONUS DECADE & 123FAG

POST # 493

GRAND FORKS HILL

As of three days ago, I consider the past decade as one big bonus. As readers of this blog may remember that on March 4th, 2012, The Thoughtful Wanderer, not trusting his gut instinct, took one wrong step, and tumbled head over heals down this hill in Grand Forks BC. This most certainly could have been my last day on the planet, however I was very lucky, and only broke one leg in five places. I could have just as easily broken my back, broken both legs, or got knocked out cold, and if any of those things would have happened, I'm quite sure that I would have ended my life right there on that mountain. Like I said, I got lucky. For those who haven't read, or would like to re-read my account of that day, just head over to this link: http://wherespaulnow.blogspot.com/2012/03/sadie-and-pauls-big-adventure.html. There is also a follow up post a couple of weeks later. http://wherespaulnow.blogspot.com/2012/03/part-1-death-comes-knocking-but-paul.html. I really have enjoyed a bonus decade.

I was telling this tale the other day to Doug, and he seemed quite captivated by it, especially the part about Sadie wanting to continue to play ball at the foot of the mountain. After I finished telling Doug the story, he decided to demonstrate what I may have looked like when I ended up at the bottom of the hill. Here's his interpretation.

Now, over this past decade I have plenty of things to be grateful for, and they would be too numerous to mention, but I'll mention just a few. If March 4th, 2012 would have ended up being my last day, I would never have met my dear friend Mary, and her wonderful bonehead Dora-dog. We first met on September 3rd of that same year, after I answered a request from her for a house sitting position. At that time I was still walking around with a cane, and when she met me at the train station, she wondered if I was going to be a suitable sitter, because she owned a bonehead named Tika who was a very large and strong dog. Somehow, Tika and I made it work. I've enjoyed Mary's kindness, consideration, generosity, companionship, and love now for almost a decade. For that, I am grateful beyond words.

In addition to Mary, I've also enjoyed the friendship of Dr. Guy Mcpherson and his partner Pauline. They have moved around a lot over this time, and fortunately for me, I've been able to see them in a multitude of locations, sometimes just for a visit, and other times as a house/pet sitter. None of that would have happened, if I had been unlucky back in 2012. Again, I am most grateful to know them.

Of course there are other old friends and family members that I get to see/talk to every now and again, and I appreciate all of them, including my dear friend Ted, who was the person responsible for getting me interested in reading, and my friend Dave in Australia, who loaned me a book way back in 2005 that changed my life. Also, my friends Tim, Jay, and Bob who came out to Grand Forks while I was there, to offer assistance to a cripple. And all of the fine staff at the hospital in Trail BC, who helped me through a very trying time.

And of course I have to be thankful for all of the many furballs and boneheads that I have had the pleasure to get to know, and care for over this time period.

I've had plenty of new adventures during this period of time, including as far away as Australia, so my adventurous lifestyle has continued in spite of my wonky leg.

123FAG

What the heck does 123FAG stand for? I came up with this quite some time ago, and it helps me to get the most out of every day that I get to spend. So here is the breakdown.

1. I was born.

2. I'm not dead yet.

3. Any moment could be my last.

F. Focus.

A. Acceptance.

G. Gratitude.

The first three are all truths. Oddly enough is the understanding that I may never have been born in the first place. There was no guarantee. My dear friend Guy pointed this rather obvious fact to me many years ago, and up to that point in time, I would have never considered it. Of course, because of that fact, everything follows on from there.

By writing today's blog, I have proven that I am not dead yet. And I certainly do believe that any moment could be my last. We are all given numerous examples of this fact as we go through life.

As a result of 123, I now try to Focus on each and every moment. It's much easier said than done, but I work on it, each and every day. Like for instance, yesterday on our walk, I was captured by this tree growing on top of another tree. Amazing really, but so easy to miss if one isn't focused on the moment.

Acceptance.

Acceptance is easy, when things are going your way, but much more difficult when they aren't. However, whether the situation is in your favour or not, it seems a much wiser decision in my opinion to accept things as they present themselves. Otherwise, one could spend way too much precious time trying to re-write one's own history. That seems like a complete waste of time. So I choose acceptance.

Gratitude.

As I say at the end of each of my blog posts, I'm grateful for every breath, and I truly am, because one day in the future, my life, as everyone's life will come to an end. All the more reason to be grateful for today.

During this past week, I turned 67 years old. This was the age of my father when he died, way back in 1984. If I survive until July 15th of this year, I'll beat his record by one whole day. I'm planning on beating his record, keeping in mind point #3 stated above.

At my current house sit, there is a little reminder out on the front step that I like to look at every day.

No doubt, those Easter Islander's probably thought that life would just continue on indefinitely, and look how they ended up. Nothing lasts forever.

I think that's about enough for today. Doug is looking very bored, so he's probably trying to tell me that's it's just about time to head to the local park, and go for our daily walk. How could I say no to that request?