A columnist's personal reflections

A strange thing happened to me early in the month of November — I had just replaced my wind-blown and tattered Canada and Nova Scotia flags, which were a disgrace, when I took the last step off my stepladder and fell a short distance to the ground. I was flat on my back, and could not get to my feet.

Wife, Audrey, was in the kitchen, and the first she knew that something was amiss, was when our female cat, Kallie, came running down the front hall into the kitchen screaming her lungs out, and making a terrific racquet to get Audrey's attention.

Audrey appeared outside immediately, but I could not get to my feet, so she called the ambulance out-station in Port Mouton. They were Johnny-on-the-spot, as was the ambulance from Liverpool.

I was sent to Bridgewater hospital for a cat-scan. I was discharged three days later from Queens General Hospital, after medication and rest. It seems that I had a TIA or a minor stroke. Anyway, I hope that kind of thing is behind me, but I won't know until I see my doctor.

Anyway, we have a column to do, and this week we are indebted to friend Roger Hemeon, in British Columbia, for the information.

Roger says: "Time has a way of moving quickly, and catching one unaware of the passing years."

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married, and embarking on a new life with my mate. And yet, in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all, and I have glimpses of all my hopes and dreams...but here it is, the winter of my life, and it catches me by surprise.

How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go, and where did my youth go?

I remember well, seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me, and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But here it is. My wife retired and she is really getting grey — she's moves slower and I see an older woman now. Not the one I married who was young and vibrant but, like me, her age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see, but never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I feel that just getting a shower, is a real target for the day. And taking a nap is not a treat anymore — it's mandatory — because if I don't, on my own free will, I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, I enter this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things.

But, at least I know, that though winter has come, and I am not sure how long it will last...this I do know — when it is over, it will be over. Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done...things I should have done. But, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you are not in winter yet, let me remind you that it will come faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, please do it quickly!

Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, because you can never be sure if this is your winter or not.

You have to promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...

Life is a gift to you. The way you live it is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one!

Thanks Roger for the “reflections.�