I’m a lucky man. I’ve known it for some time.
I’m blessed with so many things in my life, that it is hard to enumerate them all. Some are easy to speak of. In a world where many people never find great love, I’ve found it twice. I have two amazing children (and I know that they are all amazing, but I like to think that my two lovely and loving children are high above the mean of amazing. It is a father’s prerogative.) I grew up surrounded by love and laughter, my parents giving me a solid foundation on which to build my own life. My siblings are both very stimulating, interesting people, different in their own right, the yin and yang of brother’s and sisters.
I’m grateful that I’ve managed to live a life, just a little different than the ordinary. Not so different that I couldn’t fit in, different enough to be somewhat interesting. I mean, how many people retire to High Arctic. Sure there are days I wish it was Tahiti, but there are days when all of us wish we were somewhere else.
I’m grateful that I discovered early in life what I wanted to be when I grew up. And grateful that luck found a way for me to get that job, despite not growing up. And I’m grateful that I was lucky (and skillful) enough to get through my job unscathed, that none of my colleagues had to make that dreadful trip to tell Leah or Janice that I wouldn’t be coming home again.
I’m grateful that, despite a 53 in Grade XII English, I’m finding a voice. And I’m grateful that I can share some of my life with you. And I’m grateful for you, who for some strange reason find what I write interesting enough to come back, and for this medium which allows me to give thanks in this, my 500th post.
Comments
6 responses
Here’s to 500 more!
Thanks Patrick.
Wow, 500 posts?!? I’m sincerely grateful that you didn’t allow those ignorant English teachers of yours, undoubtedly frustrated novelists every one, to deter you from initiating and maintaining this outstanding blog. Like Patrick said, here’s to 500 more!
Thanks Mike,
Actually I had some pretty good teachers, but for one thing I was one of the 10 worst spellers in the history of the world when I was in school, and I have long been notorious for doing just enough to get by in school. Also back then Science captured most of my interests, my Biology, Chemistry and Algebra marks more than made up for English.
Most people who knew me back in school are rather surprised when they read what I write now.
Thanks for the slice of life you share with those of us who may never get to see this beautiful place in person… My husband & I (Minnesotans) have always been in love with the North, and like the way your reports talk about the land, the people, and the birds & plants. So, blessings to you & your family, and best wishes for that wonderful-looking B & B. And who knows, maybe I’ll get further than Hudson Bay (an amazing splurge before getting hitched so many years ago)…
Thank you Molly, and welcome. Where in Hudson’s Bay? Churchill? I always enjoyed my trips to Churchill.