[This is a very rough draft of the final chapter of my book-in-progress called, "This Trip..." (Working Title.) In keeping with my non-conformist approach I give you the conclusion first.]
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my life here on earth is going to be even better than it was before. I say this with unequal parts of certainty and wishful thinking…but could there be a better way to think about the future?
As long as the Laura’s and Jenny’s and Kim’s of the world continue to touch individual people in their individual ways…we are all going to be better than OK.
I no longer believe life is meant to be hard. Not just because of this trip to Washington Island…but from the larger, broader trip that is my life.
There is a common metaphor that compares life to the ups and downs of a roller coaster. I think life is way more than a roller coaster ride. I think it’s an entire amusement park that includes roller coasters…but also haunted houses…freak shows…fun houses…dog and pony shows and of course those spooky clowns.
The past few years hit me pretty hard and I felt like I was forced into some cheap, dirty carnival that I didn’t buy a ticket for. I felt like I was at the mercy of the “Carnies” and no matter what I did…it didn’t matter. Life sucked and it was something to be gotten through instead of lived. That is one sorry-ass existence.
The Greatest Show on Earth
After all this time…from birth to now…after falling in love…and marrying…buying that first house…having children…making friends and losing them…building a business…watching your wife wither away and die…and after a solitary trip to an island…I’m starting to see that I created my carnival.
I see my amusement park for what it is: something I built and continue create through my thoughts, decisions, actions and reactions. There are times when I wish this trip would end so I could leave my amusement park…but even saying that shows me how little I mean it. The more I evolve and learn and see what’s possible…the more I can see that this life…this trip…is the greatest show on earth.
The End/Beginning
Thanks for checking out my carnival. I hope that somehow what I discovered helps you enjoy your amusement park a little bit more. I really do.
wow andy! you never cease to amaze me with your analogies about life and death! i am so looking forward to your book! as i begin year two with michael’s death i seem to feel worse…maybe it is the reality of the situation. i have many things to be grateful for and i work hard at keep positive people around me…the mornings and nights are hard…the pain has to be felt so i am doing that…i have fun when that is possible…i am recreating a new life…a daunting and awesome experience at the same time…anything is possible..not too many of us really believe that…you are still here and i am still here…i keep thinking there must be a reason for that! thanks for always sharing! you help me to think “outside of the box”! keep writing!
I sure will, Alaine. It changes daily it seems…but I’m trying to rewire myself to see things as great…despite the challenges. We’ll get there…I’m sure of it. Take care!