Will and D's Big Adventure

I have to admit I am flummoxed. It has been what should be a remarkable day and all I feel is a little numb. “Why is it a big day?” you may ask. Today was one of those days when you pass a mile marker in your life. It was my birthday (always a day of dread) and the official first day of retirement. My intention was to go out and lose myself in the world for a while. Have lunch at a restaurant, sight-see, and unwind. Instead I spent most ot the sunlit hours on the phone with family wishing me well. So much so my ear was numb, my head was spinning, and I was ready to flee the house before someone else called. In retrospect this was not the wisest choice.

By the time I got on my way I caught myself making bad decisions. I got off the bus at the wrong store and by the time I noticed it I started having the feeling something was not right. As I reached for my meter I had a flashback of it sitting on my desk. My now I also remembered in my haste I had neglected eating a snack before my trip. I was flying blind and had no clue what my glucose level was. I stopped and did a self assessment

I paid for it and found a bench where I could eat it. Then I sat and waited. slowly I got my wits about me and gave thanks nobody thought I was a drunk and call the police. If they had called them the first thing they would have looked at after my identity card would have been my diabetes alert card. I always keep them together in my wallet just in case. That way I save time and I get help faster. I decided to call it a day. I was spent and humbled. It was time to get back to my safe place and regroup. I made it to the bus stop with a comfortable margin for wait time. Gratefully I found a seat and soon I was home again.

First thing I did was test. I was in the low range of my safe zone. Then I unpacked the groceries and made a light lunch. I sat a few minutes and savored the quiet warmth. The crisis had passed and I was back to normal. I worked on some new illustrations till my eyes got heavy and I slipped into my bed to watch th news and relax. Soon sleep found me and I surrendered to the gentle pull into that warm sea of dreams.

I woke to the rays of the setting sun sweeping over my face. I did not move. I let the feeling of peace roll over me. I am alive and tomorrow is another day. There was nothing I missed doing today which I can not do tomorrow. What better birthday gift can you receive than a life you now can live on your own terms and pace as long as you don't do something stupid. That which does not kill you may not make me stronger, but if I am lucky it will make me wiser.

Till we meet again, live your life with passion, live it with joy, and wonder. Try to be good to yourself, and do something good for others. Happy shared birthday to you Sally may you be blessed with a long and joy life and the love of your good man Hal.

All the best for you and yours.

Will