THREE TRAINS
… brain divided on three paths of thought, or is it four, or more?
Saturday Mar. 15, 2014
Life ships lemons.
Sometimes lemonade.
Provides mud, ruts, joys, challenges of aging and waging battles against foes, both real and imagined.
A little patience, slower pace, is called for . . .
Each person – could be memorable.
Each encounter, takes on a life of its own.
Sometimes, so rare, so perfect – is just what we need when we needed it.
So fine, just so, learning best of life walking around.
Bumping into things.
Not bruised, but awareness heightened – like coffee table edge against shin bone in middle of the night – captures attention. Ouch. Turn on a light. Or walk slowly.
Yesterday, unplanned technology-escape morning. No phone. No watch (I don’t wear one – I rely on my phone). Yesterday I was asking people, “what time is it?”. Somebody offered, “get a watch”. Lost phone was not found. After lunch at a restaurant conveniently located 3 stores over from my brand of phone store, I graduated to a new iPhone 5S. I booked a training session to learn how to use it . . .
Before that, I was sitting there, looking out restaurant window – couldn’t be reached, couldn’t reach anyone. Couldn’t read or write. I’d not brought book, paper or pen. I was device-less.
1st Note to self: don’t let these things happen again.
2nd Note to self: don’t worry about 1st Note. Learn to relax, be patient, consider buying a watch, and take a notepad everywhere.
I’m off to Fort Saskatchewan. A daughter and grandchildren I need to hug and hold are there and I am here – so, with new phone, book, pad and pen – heading off to bump into this day.
Mark Kolke
P.S.: in recent days I’ve written on, about and around a single subject. That subject matter warrants all that and more – and there will be more. For now I’m giving it a rest. Again, many thanks to so many kind friends and extraordinary strangers who have reached out with words of support, actions of kindness. Loving a father, and losing him, seems a universal connecting issue we all hold in common. I didn’t lose him – the way I misplaced that phone. Slowing pace yesterday was healthy, therapeutic and calming.
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column written/ published from Calgary
morning walk: -3C/28F, clear skies, some crunch under foot (surprisingly good traction) from some snow overnight, a spectacular spring day ahead. Nobody was out this morning to see Gusta in her fresh coif from her day at the pooch parlour yesterday
Reader feedback / comments always welcome:
We offer our condolences, Mark, on the passing of your Dad. Parents are treasures as they age. My Dad, Joe, and Linda's Uncle Ross are also 91, HK, Okotoks, AB
Mark, I know you but I really didn't know you until last night. I have seen you vulnerable once before with the speech you beat me with a few years ago. Last night was a very courageous speech given during such a difficult time. THANK YOU for sharing with us. I am not sure how you held it together….I wouldn't have. Thinking of you, RT, Calgary, AB
Hi Mark, I was not able to attend the MVP contest, but I heard through the grapevine that your father passed away. Mark, my deepest heartfelt condolences for your loss. I will pray for you and your family. Respectfully, VA, AB
Hi Mark, Again, my condolences on the loss of your hero, your Dad. Please let me know if I can help, SM, Calgary, AB
Your reference today as a logical thinker going through your dad's stuff, your struggle to keep things coming from your head space in order to understand what you are dealing with. Our logical thinking comes from a very small part of our brain. A lot of our brain deals with feelings, which are sometimes not easy to understand but complete 'who we are'. Paying attention to the feelings as you are dealing with your dad's stuff, will allow you to know him better as a man, as a father. Reminiscing is such an important part of our process of life, and respecting what he was attached to. Feeling his presence while you are there is very precious, and you may not have that closeness with him again, PC, ?
Sorry for your loss Mark. Mom's and Dad's are so precious and can not be replaced. "Flowers grow out of dark places"- Corita Kent . Thank you for the words of inspiration daily, I am grateful for them, SB, Calgary, AB
Aloha, Mark ~ May you feel the love and energy of the Universe... and savor the synchronicity of thoughts from all who know you and your dad, C, Honolulu, HI
Dear Mark, Just catching up on emails and read of your loss. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. As I read the words you wrote about your father I felt the love, admiration, pain and loss shining through. Your poignant portrait of the man you called 'Dad' and the account of his life were beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. I wept with you. How blessed you are to have known him all your life! Hallelujah - indeed! Cheers, GG, Calgary, AB
