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MAJOR IMPRESSED
Friday Jan. 9, 2015
One day we all (though I would like to defy that notion) die.
Most people adopt and accept the rationale that life must end. Some believe there is something magical afterwards. Others, that there isn’t. I’m in the second group. Perhaps that view underscores my focus on what we do while we are here.
I’ve often joked with friends, that 50 years from now they will be dead but I will be 113.
I’m counting on medical science advances to help me …
However long we live, most people (Hawking, Einstein, Galileo etc. aside) leave our mark while we are alive and for a short while after – then we are done. I write this not to be a ‘doomer and gloomer’ but more from the perspective of a late bloomer. I had a fascinating meeting/interview yesterday with an 83 yr. old awesome success story. His* body hasn’t let him down yet though he’s a bit shaky. But, wow, what a mind! He’s not starting many new things but he reinforced for me how much a family culture of achievement, intellect and most of all timing and luck play in the contrasts from ordinary lives of excellence to extraordinary opportunities …
I came away stronger in my belief that beginning new things is not something we should shy away from as we get older, but rather that we should plunge ever more eagerly into them. There is so much to do. For some, so little time. For me, 50 years … maybe more.
*readers of my weekly FACILITYCalgary conversations column, that interview will be coming soon – what fun! Marvelous way to spend a chilly Thursday afternoon.
Mark Kolke
column written/ published from Calgary, AB
morning walk: -22C (-28 wind chill) / -8F, calm and clear, nearly full moon lit our way, Gusta distracted by some scent that went out into the roadway … took her off her routine in every way …
Reader feedback:
DRAWN IN BLOOD
Today’s reflections were “ spot on Mark” . Well said. Thank you, RVW, Edmonton, AB
Nicely said Mark. But even though military responses, have as yet, had limited results, they must continue against these cowards. For real change, it must come from within the Muslim community. First, it seems even devout Muslims can’t find common agreement on the interpretation of the Koran. Many claim that their religion is not about violence, yet most Muslim leaders,( until the recent executions of journalists and aid workers),have remained silent, even reluctant, to condemn the violent acts being perpetrated by Muslim extremists, (even with these extremists perpetrating mass episodes of genocide other Muslim factions and Muslim women and children). If these Muslim leaders and supporters of the nonviolent belief of the Koran really believe that this is the essence of their religion, then maybe they should form a large delegation and return to the Iraq and Syria and demonstrate for peace on the streets of Bagdad and Damacsus. I am sure they would be able to “convert’ a lot of these “misguided” individuals. Yeah, right. Unfortunately, the “enlightenment” must come from within, otherwise the war continues as it should. Cheers, BM, Calgary, AB
MEANINGFUL
My favourite change quote: the only people that like change are wet babies, SS, Calgary, AB
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