In 1993 I was snookered into a steak eating contest by the Head of Pediatrics. He was a big guy from Arkansas and his office manager was goading us on for a month. Feeling frisky I asked how big was the steak? 48 ounces. At the time I had a huge appetite, so to me a 3 pound steak was a low bar. We shook hands and set the challenge for Thursday night. That morning I skipped breakfast and passed on lunch prepping for the big dust up. Dinner started at 6:00 PM, but I got there early to scope the place out. Right by the door was the Steak Challenge History board complete with names in brass and pictures. The award for eating the salad, the baked potato, and the 96 ounce steak was a free dinner. 96 ounces Ā (6 pounds) not 48 ounces. Right then my doctor friend blew through the door and I burst his balloon, “6 pounds each.”Ā We had been duped by the office manager, but decided to give it a whirl anyway.Ā The raw steaks were bigger than footballs and the restaurant made us march them through the place with the theme song from “Rocky” playing overhead.Ā Long story short, we each ate half, called it a tie and crawled home. I didn’t touch a steak again for 3 months.
Sometimes we sign up for things that seem like low bars, then God laughs. Every January I re-enlist for another year assuming I know what lies ahead. Same for 2024, but year end had some travel disruption. Right before Christmas my esophagus stent dislodged so I got hospitalized to take it out. Ā After Christmas I couldn’t eat solid foods, so back in for a new stent. Ā 2024 was starting a little off the planned trajectory, but I knew some setbacks could be on the horizon. What I didn’t count on was the surgeries triggering atrial fibrillation putting me back in the hospital after New Year’s.Ā Even though I steeled myself to tackle cancer in 2024, my cardiac history reared its ugly head like a skunk at the garden party.Ā Truth be told I enjoy music, but carrying around a piano on my back listening to it is a little much.
A typical person at this stage might be reeling; a politician would certainly be looking around to blame someone.Ā I’m neither, so I’m re-organizing 2024.Ā Before discharge the cardiologist was discussing his treatment plan which contradicted the oncology therapy. After laying the path he said, “Do we have a deal?”Ā I snapped, “No, this isn’t a negotiation and I’m not a doctor. Ā You and my oncologist get together, agree on the plan, then tell me what to do.”Ā WTF. The big war cry these days is to take control of your life, but a lot of times that’s like telling you to control the weather. Ā That’s a nice expectation, but when the moon and the stars fall on you it’s best to focus on what’s important rather than dwelling on uncontrollable “what if’s.” Ā To be sure, I will be enjoying my family and friends more every moment of every day. Ā Trust me, I understand that I’ve been playing a long game of peek a boo with God, but I assume She has a sense of humor and still enjoys the chase. So, in 2024 here’s the perspective: I’m taking a big leap that God is laughing with me and not at me.Ā This reminds me of a biblical story,Ā “A Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi, and a Methodist minister walk into a bar dragging with them a Holstein cow…..“. Slainte.
God bless š
Hello! You are so correct, god just laughs!!! WTF is right!! Docs definitely need to get together and see what the left hand is doing while checking the right also! So grateful you are well and cheers š„ to her just enjoying the chase! Stay well friend!!!ā¤ļøāļøš
Hang in there Pete! Youāve got a great attitude.
A great reminder that we need to āLet Go and Let Godā on this journey! Thank you for sharing!! May 2024 deliver great things for you and yours!
Debra
Debra, I’m looking forward to a great 2024 and working with you as part of it. Best, Pete
Patti, thanks for the support. Best in 2024 to you. Pete
Best Wishes and many Blessings to you and your family. Sorry for the bumpy start you have had to 2024, but I am confident you will thrive this year in all ways !!!
2024 will be great no doubt!
You are AMAZING…..Thank you for sharing…..!..I’m reading your books right now.! And again Thank you for Sharing… YOU ARE AMAZING.ššššš
thanks for reading the posts and the books, I appreciate your support.
Mr. Peteā¦āreared itās ugly head like a skunk at a garden partyā is the greatest line ever.
I am certain you straightened those doctors outā¦not that you should have toā¦but sometimes you do. I hope you are feeling better.
You must wonder at times how you have persevered all of this. I believe it is the law of attraction because of your mindset. I thinkā¦ you have put so much good into the world that it knows it needs you. Not that I am anyone to speak about these thingsā¦but you make a differenceā¦and deserve the best. Thank you. š
I have been better off from knowing you and hearing your storiesā¦and I know Iām not alone.
For the recordā¦eating more steak than another human is an amateur moveā¦and slightly ridiculous. šš„© But I do love winning things at times so I suppose I understand to a point. I think it wouldāve been wiser to just place a bet on a Notre Dame game. At least that wouldnāt have ruined your steak intake. Just sayinā.
I think God is kind and welcomes people with a sense of humor. She must be relieved when an earthling is open to laugh about themselves with her. You are probably a big relief.
Sometimesā¦those stars and the moon line up just right šāØā¦and everything ends up in balanceā¦just the way it should be. š
Cheers Mr. Peteā¦ āļøššŖ³
Elisa, for the record it’s never a good thing to find a skunk at your garden party. It’s right up there with pissin’ in someone’s corn flakes. Relative to surviving I’ve run head onto plenty of obstacles over the years, but have managed to get up and just go around them. Laughing at myself has kept me going. Slainte. Pete
Pete, been a while since we shared stories (aka) lies. I would enjoy speaking with you when the time fits your schedule or when you feel up to it. I run across the pics (often) of the jockeys you and Diane placed in our be. I miss your humor, hospitality, and your kind heart. Thinking of you and your family in 2024. Give Diane hug tell her what a terrific woman she is. Never mindā¦ you did that already.
Darrell, the only lies we ever shared were about fishing and I think you were in the lead. I hope all is well in KY. The fishing in FLA is at its peak, so don’t be shy in visiting. Pete
Pete ā¦. You are a strong Irishman , who has had more than his share. Your love of family & life is an inspiration! āBeidh la eile an bPaorachā Live to fight another day!
Slainte, my friend!
Mary, great to hear from you as always. Jameson helps grease the skids. Pete
Glad you are well enough to write. Thinking and praying that 2024 will get better
Nancy, as Scarlett O’Hara once said, “tomorrow’s another day.”. Best for you in 2024. Pete
Nothing YOU can’t handle. Tim King
Thank you Tim, have a great 2024! Pete
Pete, sorry that your New Year got off to such a complicated start. Hope things start going a little smoother for you!
Tom, good thing I can hit a curve ball. Best to you in 2024. Pete
Thank you. As we navigate this beast called cancer, your writing is insightful, inspiring and humorous. Keep it up! Wishing you health and happiness in 2024
Janet, thanks for the support, it helps in all ways. Pete
I donāt believe He is laughing, but rather in awe. Keep writing šš¼š
Grace, laughter cures all ills. Best in 2024 to you and Anthony. Pete