I always preferred the Toronto sports teams but since the Leafs haven’t won since 1967 and Blue Jays since 1993, I have more and more tuned into Toronto Raptors games. In fact this year I become a devoted fan.
During the 7th and deciding basketball playoff with Philadelphia a very strange thing happened. I was watching the game by myself in darkness except for the glow of the television screen. It was minutes to go in the fourth quarter, the Raptors falling behind then grabbing the lead in sequence. I went to the kitchen for a cupcake and upon returning, I saw a man looking in the front window. The horizontal blinds hadn’t been closed. I could swear he was our Councillor, same height, same beard, and same black toque. Except, he was wearing a military uniform, making me panic, “There must be a life-threatening emergency somewhere in our area!” Getting closer, I realized it was an army guy billeted over at our Community Centre. He saw my concern, flashed a Red Cross label and pointed to the TV set. I got it! He was watching the game also. I gave him thumbs up and then went over and turned the screen to his advantage. It was comforting to know someone was sharing. We both witnessed that last second unbelievable basket by the Raptors to win the series. I was so excited but he was more so. His arms were flailing and his feet doing a jig – a true and loyal fan. I did run across him at the Hall a few days later. He thanked me very much and as I was walking away I heard him telling his buddies all about it.
Another change is adapting to a new editor at Whitewater News. She is someone I interviewed her last year in Cobden for a yoga-related story. I have no clue to what lies in store for me? A change at the top rung usually implies, ‘All the publication is a stage and I am merely a bit player’. I may have to curb my writing output and resign myself to writing only once a year for the Beachburg Fair’s creative writing competition. Two years ago I took first place with the sole entry. Last year I didn’t place in the top three at all. This year with the admirable competition, I will need an extraordinary effort.
Change can come forcefully like a tidal wave or creep along incrementally like a glacier. It might come in the form of a devastating tragedy, difficult choices, broken relationships or even new opportunities. Even though change is often difficult, many times it’s also for the best. Accomplishing anything great in life requires a significant push beyond our comfort zone. Often a demanding change might mean leaving a stale relationship, resigning from a job, relocating or anything else that’s holding back a triumph. Of course, dealing with uninvited or necessary change is frequently painful. How you cope with that change will have an impact on your future.
There were many other turns in the road for me. But retirement to the valley and the various involvements with people made it a positive one. Then there became a new love in my life. How many times did we pass each other before we finally became partners? As teenagers we shared our secrets. One secret was that I think I loved her then but I never said it! Our paths separated except for occasional news about each other and a couple of chance encounters. Circumstances years later meant we could start all over.
One solid foundation is common experiences from growing up in Westmeath and always keeping in touch with it. Like most relationships there are pillars that are unequal but isn’t that what makes life interesting. She’s a collector, I’m a discarder. She is practical, I’m a dreamer. In fact when it comes to mechanical conundrums she usually resolves them first.
One change that was hardly a change was moving back into the house I grew up in. It still stands on the same spot but since my partner came to share it with me, much re-modeling, new appliances etc. has changed the physique of the place considerably.
Someone asked the other day if I had a five-year plan? I replied, “You know, years ago I always had both one-year and five-year plans on the go but they never turned out. Now I simply wait and see what will crop up tomorrow.”
You see, if you worry too much about hitting certain milestones on a certain schedule, you might miss some of the stuff in between, such as some life-experiences it offers. There’s no one path to take, and there’s nothing wrong with leaving room for trying something brand new.
