Friday, February 18, 2011

Taking things a little less for granted

On Thursday, a week ago, the recorded low temperature was a record of -17 (F) degrees. The high temperature yesterday, Thursday a week later, was 78 (F) degrees, a 95 degree difference. On Tuesday this week I sat on the back porch of the house with one of our cats. The temperature was in the 60's. There was still snow on the ground, but it was melting fast and I could hear steady drops of water in the downspouts around the house as the snow melted. The dogs were generally lounging around barking occasionally at the neighbor's dog, but enjoying the fact that they could stay outside and enjoy the weather. I sat and listened to the birds and other animals make various noises during their busy day. It was thoroughly enjoyable to sit in the warmth and enjoy the outside weather. I had a book I was reading, but mostly I just sat there and enjoyed the scenery and warmth, the sights and sounds. I had gotten out of the hospital (the second time) last week during the brutally cold weather. I remember the family and the nurses bundling me up before they would take me out to the car and get me back home. I had spent a total of 8 days in the hospital in January and February recovering from a heart attack and some related complications. I now have a stent in one of the arteries to my heart and an implant that serves as a heart monitor and defibrillator should I need it. I had to be revived twice by CPR and "paddles" during my second stay, and it's pretty safe to say that it is lucky I am still around. That's part of the reason I was enjoying the outside weather so much as I lounged on the back porch taking in the sights and sounds of the back yard. Part of me said I should be at the office, there was lots going on there. Another part of knew I am not yet strong enough to go back to work and I should just sit back and relax a bit. That's not easy for me, but I resigned myself to the fact that I really wasn't in any shape to go back to work yet. At age 54, I thought I was a bit young for this to have happened. It's not fair! I had done some things recently to lessen my risk. Thoughts of "Why Me?" occurred to me. Then again, I decided, it's not really worth dwelling upon. Not much I can really do about it now, just deal with it. Eveerybody, including the doctors, say I need a lot of rest. I am not supposed to drive for another week or so. I am not supposed to go back to work for a couple of weeks. Deep down I know they are right. And I know that after writing even this blog post, I will be tired and want to maybe take a nap. I have been sleeping a lot, apparently my body needs it. I was really enjoying my time on the back porch. It was warm. Many thoughts passed through my mind. Many sensations were experienced. None of them earth shattering, but at the same time, very pleasant and rewarding. I sat and listened to some of the cars go by on a busy street not too far from our home. The main streets were clear of snow but many side streets still had some snow. I even heard a motorcycle go by. I was thinking that it had been over a month since my last ride, almost that long since I had last driven a car. I know it will be a little while before I feel strong enough to ride, but the warmer weather has been making me think about it. It may be a couple of weeks yet, and that's okay. I just know that the first ride will be pretty special. I'll really want to drink in the sensations of the ride. In fact, in some way, I think all the of the rides from here on may take on a little added significance. Maybe I will take each ride a little less for granted, and enjoy each opportunity as it comes.

20 comments:

  1. Jim:

    I am grateful for the advances in modern medicine that have enabled you to remain with all of us, and for the fact that help was so close at hand and all the right people were on hand when they were needed. In the long run, work is just work. Yes I know we need to work to survive but we were not put here to work but also to enjoy life and all of its pleasures. And if it includes riding then who are we to argue . . .

    take care of yourself
    bob
    Wet Coast Scootin

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  2. Jim, your riding days will come again, not soon enough I know but they will come. Rest up and enjoy the enforced hiatus.

    dom


    Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner

    Redleg's Rides

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  3. You take care of yourself and take it slow. Riding will come back to you in due time (and so will work). I wish you a speedy recovery.

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  4. Bobskoot,
    I too am thankful that many people were extremely competent in their efforts. At one time it seemed like there were 10 people working on me, all with a determined sense of purpose. I have to thank my wife the most. And you are right about work. It's just that it is making other people really step up and help out beyond what is normal. I have many reasons to be thankful.
    Jim

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  5. The one good thing about watching your mother die when you are a barely formed teenager is that you get a clear understanding very early on that life is short and very impermanent. I hope you get lots of time between now and the final heart beat. That mine is still beating is a constant source of surprise to me. Hence my daily pleasure at waking up in the Keys.

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  6. Dom,
    I'm not known for being the most patient person, but in this case I think I do know better than to jump in too early. Thanks for the reminder, though.
    Jim

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  7. Sonja,
    Thanks for the kind thoughts. My relatives have reminded me that I won't heal as fast as I used to. But I'm aware of that and will try to adjust accordingly. I'll get there.
    Jim

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  8. Conch,
    Waking up every day in the Keys must be pretty nice. Nobody wants the real surprises that can occur. Maybe I have had my 'surprises' for awhile.
    Take Care,
    Jim

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  9. Dear CPA3485 (Jimbo):

    What a nice surprise to see you have a post here today!

    For one reason or another, your life has changed. It doesn't need to be worse nor restrictive, just a trifle different. Do you really love being an accountant? Do you find yourself thinking, "I can't go another day unless I start wlorking at my desk again?" Or do you find yourself wondering how much closer to the grave your job may have pushed you?

    Recovery of a different sort starts from sitting out back and listening to the birds. Have you noticed how different the birds of winter are from the birds of summer? The birds of winter are working birds, with harsher calls and a more focused approach to a tougher life.

    But it is the birds of spring and summer that sound like flying flowers.

    Yet I bet you find yourself noticing that dawn arrives a bit earlier from one day to the next now, and that by 6:20am there is at least one softer bird call that wasn't there last week. And maybe you always noticed this, but just never took the time to write it down.

    You're a smart guy... I know you are thinking about the things that really matter now... Determing that challenges that were once your daily life may now have been challenges that imperilled it. You'll do just fine.

    Can I make a suggestion? Since you are reading stuff, can I recommend the work of Louis Grizzard? Start out with, "Shoot Low Boys, They're Riding Shetland Ponies." Exercising the smile muscles on your face will go a long way toward making your heart feel better.

    I look forward to riding with you this summer. You can lead.

    Fondest regards,
    Jack • reep • Toad
    Twisted Roads

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  10. Jack,
    Your mention of birds in a bit ironic. Two nights ago I managed a short walk with the dogs, something I enjoy but haven't been able to do much of in the last month or so. We always have to stop and smell things and investigate things that might be different than the last time we passed by this way. As we were walking I heard a flock of geese taking off. As they started their flight I became enthralled in how they formed that almost perfect little V in flight. Their noise and the sight of their formation was absolutely beautiful and I stopped our walk to ust watch them go by. The dogs didn't seem to give a shit, but I sure did.

    Went to the doctor again today and they say I am doing amazing considering the fact that one doctor only gave me a 25% chance of full recovery a couple of weeks ago. Let it be kown that I am out to prove that prediction to be very wrong.
    It would make me very proud to ride with you sometime this summer.
    Take care,
    Jimbo

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  11. So glad you are recovering well and posting again. I have looked forward to you reading your thoughts and now, it will be interesting to see what, if anything changes.
    Godspeed in your recovery, sir.

    Howard
    inthedesertscootin

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  12. Howard,
    Thanks so much for the encouragement. I'm getting a bit bored at home sometimes, but know that in the long run it is best to take it wasy. But like "Arnold saya"; "I'll Be Back" to riding pretty soon I hope.

    Jim

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  13. Jim
    With every good wish for a full recovery from Down Under. Take good care of yourself and hope you're back on the bike as soon as the good weather is here.

    If you haven't seen them, here's a couple of absolutely inspirational bike videos. Not applicable to your tender years, but overcoming adversity!
    http://www.abc.net.au/austory/, then scroll down to the "On your bike" video. The other one is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKXwwEH_ahc

    all the very best,

    Geoff

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  14. Dear Jimbo (formerly CPA3485):

    The inchworm measures the marigolds... The bees work the flowers like a salt mine. But the butterfly tastes both and still manages to go where he pleases. I look forward to riding around Omaha with you. I always wanted to see Nebraska, in third gear. Send me your address... Your recovery will be aided by a book I have here.

    Fondest regards,
    Jack • reep • Toad

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  15. cpa3485:

    I want to see Nebraska in 3rd gear too. The closest I have gotten was Omaha. The SAC was closed but we went to the Liard Museum and spent some time in Old Town. I know Jack mentioned Nebraska but I thought you lived in Kansas.

    oh well, we can also do Kansas in 3rd gear too and if you want to go slower we can shift down to 2nd

    Hope you are getting stronger, Spring is nearly here, nearly time for your BBQ party

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast

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  16. Damn! See, I told you that daredevil accountants were tough.

    I go away for a while and turn my back on you. Look what you went and did. I'm going to be watching you from now on.

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  17. Geoff,
    Thanks for the visit, and here's hoping you were nowhere near to the devastation we see on the TV of the earthquake. Let's hope not all of the roads are too messed up. Thanks for the links, too. Much appreciated.
    Jim

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  18. Dan,
    Don't worry about little old me too much. I'm doing better, just feeling a little older. I'm back to work a couple of hours a day now, and the rest is spent napping, so I can't say it's all that bad really.
    Take Care,
    Jim

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  19. Jim,
    I haven't been keeping up with your blog for a while... sorry. This post reveals a lot of inner thoughts and feelings and I respect and appreciate you sharing them. It's good to read in your response to Dan that you're getting stronger and back towards normal. I wish you continued good health. Naps are a good thing! Take care Jim!

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  20. Hey Mike,
    Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. I have to admit I had sort of lost track of your blog, but promise not to let that happen again. I have been working about 4 hours a day this week and slowly getting back into it. I am really looking forard to the day when they let me drive (ride) again. Maybe later this month.
    JIm

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