Thick and Thin

LL

Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men (and women) and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain





Thick and thin means a number of things.

You went through thick and thin with your family, parents, husbands and partners. Most, but not all you went through, was beyond your control, by and large. I too had times in my life when the going got tough. Not least when I suddenly lost my wife to cancer.

From the 'slough of despond'* to the sunny uplands isn't easily achieved, but if you apply the right choices, backed up by sound judgement, it is possible. I made it, but I don't think you have, although once you might have. There is far more to life than food, drink, short vacations and a soccer loving fanatical individual, as I am sure you are aware.

My life was quite different to yours when we met. I was slowly bringing you into my world, but you didn't have the courage to take that step. Now I have moved on to such an extent that you would truly feel like a fish out of water.

Sensitive area I know, but I remember a photo of you at a wedding looking fairly sizable. Despite what you told me about childbirth, that is where those stretch marks came from. Now it is apparent you are in that position again. From thick to thin and back to thick.

Shame really, I liked you when you were slim. Can't say I would be attracted physically now, but then you have found your partner in crime and he has even you beaten hands down in the size stakes. You are beginning to look like your mom did...and almost dress like she did. There's no excuse for it. I have hardly changed at all since we parted. I also have access to more food opportunities, luxury living etc than you ever will.

So that is another aspect of thick and thin, although in this latter one, I have not taken any part, staying the same weight as I was eleven years ago.

Then there's what you once termed 'luck', or lack of it. There's the thick and thin of that as well. Some have it others don't. You don't. But it's not really luck - it's motivation, perseverance, good judgement and a clear idea of what you want to achieve, without being wavered from that goal by impulsive decisions. Sound familiar?

Not much point in bothering on your part is there. You and he are both approaching another birthday...

Sad about your parents - in the end I liked them much more than I came to think of you. That's a sad reflection on you. At least you will have a few bucks to your name now. You never did have.

There's another kind of thick and thin, but I won't go there😉.

Turning to the present.

We are two weeks into our Oz vacation and plan spending some time in Northern Queensland for ....maybe 4-5 days. then back here on the Queensland/NSW border, almost.  A side trip, when we leave, to Singapore for a couple of days - business mostly. After that, home to Florida via San Francisco. We plan spending a good part of the winter in our Naples home.

Apart from another Spanish trip in January (same old), I guess you will have to suffer the winter  up there. I understand from a good friend (and a mutual one), in your county, that you have snow. Nothing further from my mind here.

That's enough random thoughts for now.

Ciao


* Quote from Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan