Well...Dang It !

Hard to "like" that, but as the mighty Harry Callahan once said "A person's got to know their limitations."  Glad that discretion has become the better part of valor because spending three weeks in a European hospital because an existing condition would be much more expensive than canceling a trip.  Sad that there is NO provision for cancellation or rebooking.  sigh.

My dang it came during my first full contract teaching position.  We made the decision to purchase a home in the small town.  Fully leveraged mind you.  The truly "dang it" happened because I accepted the position offered, even though I knew at the start that the school board had massacred the superintendent leaving the princpal to hire.  The board massacred the principal that spring.  They would have massacred me as well, but decided to lead me along for the ride. 

In 2008 the world melted down, the board threw me out and we walked away from a (still) fully leveraged house in a small town.  The only consolation was that we were amongst millions of others who had a foreclosure as a result of avarice on so many levels. 

I learned a lot from that.  I have multiple advanced degrees from the University of Hard Knocks.

There should be something in Life's Contract stipulating that you must buy the contingency insurance... after the age of 60!

Sorry for your lost trip FM, start planning for popcorn and hot cider (or a good Malbec wine) around the fireplace on Christmas eve.  Next year you two will be cruising the waterways of the old country.

Flying Monkeys, I've very sorry your wife is having health issues and that you had to bail on that wonderful trip.  I know my wife and I have far fewer days of travel ahead of us than we've had behind us.

Wow!  I'm with Thane, hard to hit the "like" button, but glad she is going to be okay in time.   A nicely decorated home and tree on the ranch will make for a relaxing time.  One year we bought chestnuts and roasted them on an open fire (fireplace).  That's another one that should be a song.  😉  Was pretty fun.  Actually tasty too.

Any thoughts to lighting up Battlewing Galactica, and going for a "Sleigh Ride" if it isn't raining or snowing?

I’m going to offer a different perspective on something that was  a “Why me?” event in my life.  

I had cancer. It was discovered shortly after both Annie and I retired when I was 60. We had moved to Montana from Alaska and were planning on doing a great deal of riding.  And so it went for the first ten months, but then came the cancer.  I was fortunate in some regards.  First is that I had Annie by my side to support me and navigate the medical process.  Second, I had a type of throat cancer that has high survival rate, but a long and painful recovery process.  The radiation I received caused third degree burns in my throat.  I couldn’t swallow anything for over three months, not even my own spit, was in the hospital for three months and was so drugged up I was out for 6 weeks.  But what I did learn from this experience was how fortunate I was throughout my life.  While in the hospital on an oncology ward I was witness to people undergoing true heartache and sorrow. The very young with no chance of survival, their parents and the elderly with no one to care.  The perspective I gained about what is important and what ultimately does not matter, the meaning of complete love and friendship, and how tenuous is the life we lead. 

FM, sorry to hear your wife is feeling poorly and trip plans were canceled, betcha you buy that trip insurance next time. I hope she recovers soon. Christmas at home can be just as enjoyable and then a summer cruise is much warmer.

I hope the wifey gets to feeling better. Sorry your trip went to hell.

Geesus, Sorry to hear about your wife's health. As with all things trips can come and go. Health is more important. And Kevin. Nasty story, I never would have figured when we met last.. My own Damnit tales don't even compare so I won't bore you all but our one chance to visit Oz went by the wayside cause I fussed too much about customers and employees.

Take care 

Well, Dang It.....this past Tuesday my wife woke me up very early in the morning, for an emergency trip to the Urgent Care facility, that is only 22 miles away from us, and due to the info shared with her at that Urgent care visit, is why we decided to cancel our trip to Europe for 2 weeks that would have started next week.

Today I took her to the Kaiser Permanente' Medical Center in Olympia, and after being there for a little more than 5 hours, the diagnosis is not good.        She has a heart issue that cannot be remedied, only watched, and cared for as best as possible. Not terminal, just have to take things much easier.

Dang it !!!!!  Living with me is not easy, so..........how am I going to make things easier for her?

My wife lost her first husband (of 15 years) to Colon Cancer, and she was with him, by his side, until the end. She then spent the next 10 years alone, until I came along, and I secretly vowed to myself that I would never make her go through that again, and leave her as a widow a 2nd time.

Dang it !!!!!

The sun will come out...tomorrow !

So sorry to hear about the wife. Prayers go out.

Cal, thanks, but the best medicine  is for you to  go take  Sidecar  Willie out for a ride. 

FM,  

You are already providing the most important medicine known to man, giving her the knowledge that you are there for her no matter what, now, tomorrow, always. Knowing that you have her back and will never let her down. That will give her the courage and hope to keep on.

Jan

Miles, after our conversations in Spirit lake I feel like I know the lady. I truly wish her (and you) the very best. Hopefully her heart heals or at least doesn’t degrade.  I have no doubt that you will stick by her side. Probably drive her a bit crazy. But that’s OK. You are one of the good guys. And I’m proud to be able to call you a friend

Miles--plenty of guys standing by to lend whatever assistance might be needed.  Today, tomorrow, next week, next year. Don't be afraid to ask.  It's called a community.

I'll hit you up offline.