I’ve had a long life, one that I trust will continue for many more years.

I’ve known countless people … in so many different environments.  I’ve had different roles, different costumes, different passions.  Many of my companions are no longer with me – physically, emotionally, spiritually.  And that’s fine.  I wish them all well.

I hear the words “I was …” and feel like filling in many blanks.  Making a list in chronological order is too big an ask so I’ll just ramble:

I was a vision teacher, working with both blind and low vision kids

I was a life insurance agent, virtually setting company records (on the low end!)

I was a real estate agent … (see above)

I sold encyclopedias … (see above)

I managed volunteers at a hospital

I was a personal development seminar leader

I caught a life skills course for young people struggling with self-esteem, and who wanted to get into regular college programs

I volunteered in classrooms of 12-year-olds for five years or so

I managed the laundry in a Rocky Mountain hotel for three summers

I led mountain newbies over many trails in the Rockies

I tried riding my bicycle across Canada … unsuccessfully

I visited Senegal four times with friends

I went to many meditation retreats in Massachusetts, including two three-month ones

I studied to be a social worker but quit before graduation, feeling too young to counsel people well

I sang at many open mic sessions

I played solo cello pieces in concerts

I changed countries … Canada to Belgium

I was married for 26 years to my dear wife Jody

I co-ordinated rides for a cycling club

***

And that’s all I can think of in these moments

***

I’m starting to learn a new song – Old College Avenue.  I’m particularly taken with the third line you see here …

…

It was Old College Avenue
And in the time of having you
I remember it as if it were today
The tiny room and the single bed
Though the tangled trails of time
Have led us far astray
The membrance seems to stay