The Warm Silence of Perspective

In the past 10 days this blog has been read by a number of people. They have all expressed two sentiments: First, that my family is in their prayers. Second, that if I ever need to talk about what is going on with my dad, I could come to them.

Thank you. Each of you. I wish I could remember all of your names right now, but I'm honestly overwhelmed by it all. It's in the "dark" times that you find out what kind of forces are working with and against you, and I'm safe in saying I have a hugely positive force around me. This is more than energy, I can truly feel the love and sympathy sent out to me. I've tried my best to not hide this, because this is not embarrassing, and also because a LOT of us may be going through this as our parents age. I truly hope for you, dear reader, tha this never comes about in your family.

In the background, as I type this, "Celebrity Poker Showdown" is on, my favoriote episode starring Michael Ian Black and Norm MacDonald. Somebody just flopped a pair of queens, or as it's known, flopped a "Siegfreid & Roy." Hardy har. Here's where perspective taps me on the shoulder. These are people of notoriety playing a game to win money for a cause they believe in. They have enough in their bank to give whatever they'd win, times 10. But what's the fun if you're not IN IT? (hack jokes deleted)
I know that the world carries on, each of us walking through it with baggage clunking around us. And I carry this myself, obviously unwilling to do so, but it's got my tag on it at the claim carousel, it's coming with me. And it's not light enough to knock around as a balloon, nor heavy enough to stop my trekking on. It's enough to feel, though, acted upon by a gravity unlike anything I've ever been in step with.

And to know that there are SO MANY people sending so much love to my family, I gained more strength to carry it. Eventually I will adapt and it will become weightless for a myriad of reasons. In the meantime, all I have is to give back. Do this, for yourself...
Call somebody RIGHT NOW, someone you love, know, have lost touch with, and take a sec to catch up with them. Tell them something good about them. It's really not about you for that moment. Go outside yourself. Give. Someday you may need someone cheering you on from the sidelines of your personal Marathon. Being in front of a raucous & supportive crowd will carry you forward.

I am overwhelmed. I am blessed. I am stronger. Thank You. It's only two words, but I hope you know that it means you have written your name in the book of my life, and I will feel a debt of gratitude and appreciation I may never be able to repay.

Love ya. It's all gonna be okay. Promise.