Today I was watching a little boy and his father interacting on the subway ride in. He was doing things that little boys do. Kicking, eating, whining and generally being a little boy. His father was really cool about it and made me think ‘what if?’ What if everything that was in your control all of a sudden wasn’t.
Examples? Your spouse leaves you. You found out you have a fatal illness. And in this case, what if someone phoned me today and told me I had a kid? Let’s face it – boom! Your life has changed!
First I thought about how I would react. Then I thought about caring for a child. Then I thought…huh, would it be the worse thing in the world? Then I thought about telling my family – and my family is amazing, they would of course be a little bit concerned…but then completely accept their new grandchild into their life as the blessing it certainly would be.
It would most definitely take some getting used to. And financially, I think I’d be in a little bit of trouble, but I’m pretty sure that I’d work it out.
And although I’m only following up with my example, the same would occur with the others, I’m certain. If I were diagnosed with a disease that would take me off this planet, I’d deal, wouldn’t I? Of course, I’m sure I’d take a week or two to travel this country, much like the amazing Canadian film One Week. But yeah, I’d make it happen and do everything I could.
The point is, I have my apartment. My stuff. My friends. My job. My family. But I don’t have as much control of these things as I originally thought. No one does. Because there are moments in life that change you. That change the way you see the world. And all we can do is deal with the curve balls as they come. Hopefully with a little bit of dignity and a whole lot of swagger.
“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” Phyllis Diller
As someone who has been faced with their own mortality, I think you’ve said it best. When fate deals you a hand, the only thing there is to do is play it out, hope for the best, and keep your sense of humor. Things can always be worse.
Cheers.