It is kind of humorous to define the stages of life like the quarters in a game. Some of us are clearly in the fourth quarter, some surprising things can happen as the game draws to a close, but our days are numbered. My brother Jack is a bit older and his wonderful spouse let him know he may actually be in overtime. A sense of humor is invaluable in all stages of the game. Making the most of each relationship and every minute just makes sense.
Karen and I have been enjoying the new season of Shrinking. This week we watched two episodes that carry the intriguing and interrelated story lines forward. Where to start—I think you really would need to watch from season one and go through season three to truly appreciate the complex, poignant, and emotional involvement that is created. I want to think I am the most chill person—I cannot escape reliving or imagining scenarios in life that play out through the excellent script writing and acting.
This week the quirikly/loveable neighbor is faced with the need for an emergency heart procedure. It gives the family and many friends the opportunity to encourage the patient, console the spouse, and deal with the demons that potential loss pose for all of us. The daughter of the one of the lead character’s asks her father, ‘why does it take something bad to bring people together?’. This could be the universal question for the age’s.
The lead characters are Psychiatrists. Harrison Ford has been diagnosed with and is living through the progressions of Parkinson’s disease. Ford has gone through the various stages of anger, grief, why me and ultimately acceptance or at least not surrendering to the challenge. Imagine a scene with Michael J. Fox, not in back to the future, but in his current amazing battle with the disease and another Parkinson’s patient as a support group. The rally cry is fuc@@@@ Parkinson’s. I dare you to watch it and not be moved by the strength of those who face these challenges.
Maybe my upcoming retirement from the Board of Delta Dental of Idaho is on my mind. For the past 32 years I have served on this not-for-profit Board whose mission is the improve the oral health of Idahoan’s. The company has flourished and is the premier dental plan provider in the State. I am very proud to have been a contributor to this exceptional enterprise. It does give me pause as change for those of us in the fourth quarter does not come without trepidation. The friendships built with the Board and leadership team are priceless.
I liked the word melancholy, it describes a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause. I had this same feeling when I retired from the bank 10 years ago. I am just going to celebrate and enjoy the fourth quarter.
Please find time to support the No King’s rally in your area. There is a realistic chance over 10 million American’s will peacefully and in celebration of our democracy come together to shine a light on “freedom and justice for all.”
Mike