Life, According to Carlin

I have been given a “wake-up call.” It was as clear as a bell ringing and picking up the receiver to hear the message. The message? “Straighten up and start paying attention to detail. Your health needs to become a priority.”

I remember a quote from comedian George Carlin, who by the way---ironically-- is dead, that went like this:

“Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.”

As explained in last week’s blog, I had a pretty serious bout with high blood pressure that put me into the Intensive Care Unit of a Lubbock hospital for a couple of days. Since then, I have been slow to totally recover. Oh, I’m back at work and making all of my appointments. But it put a noticeable dent in me. I’m slower. Less of a smart ass….slightly humbled. This won’t stand. There are some that think this is an improvement. I don’t like it. I have much more to do with my life and I’m prepared to do what is required to live a healthier existence.

My wife Carol has been quick to pounce on this situation. Understand, we both led entire lives before meeting each other. This most recent episode was the third time that she has been forced to get emergency help for me----two times my blood pressure went too low…and this time when it rocketed to 250+. We love to talk about entertaining grandkids in Texas, of retirement, of our time together after our careers.

Of course, my sons don’t appear to be willing to supply me with grandchildren. They march into their mid-20s without marriage….or the purchase of a mini-van…or any of the other rites of aging that lead up to childbirth. How the Hell am I supposed to watch the family name roll forward when these deadbeats are not cooperating? Do they think I am going to live forever? How can I spoil Dreith children that don’t exist? Grandpa Mike needs a little help. Get to it, dudes. (Alex, at 20 and still in college, gets a pass here). Also important to make special note of Lexa, the beautiful grandchild of Carol’s youngest who is by all means a child that I identify as my grandchild….even though she isn’t a Dreith. Often I point out to Carol’s chagrin that she is a grandma…I am not…I just sleep with a grandma. She seems to find that joke less funny as the years roll by.

Enough.

I love my life…my wife….my job..my kids and I know it can only last for the conceivable future though the grace of God and my ability to control my blood sugar and pressure.

I once told a newspaper columnist that I was unafraid of death because I was secure in what the hereafter brought.

That doesn’t mean I’m ready to go.

Excuse me if I focus on sticking around a while.