The TV tells us that everyone’s fortunes should rise effortlessly upwards without every trying, without taking difficult steps. We become Olympic athletes without ever training, become CEOs of companies without ever working, and of course super models will pound on our doors to date us. All of this happens without ever leaving the comfort of our couches. It’s utter nonsense. Reality is not that way; we struggle, fail, and succeed throughout our lives one trying step at a time. This is especially true with our health where we can get unhealthy real quick, but recovery only happens with a lot of difficult steps up, not down. You recover going up stairs and get hurt going down them.
The house I grew up in has a winding staircase which bends towards the bottom. When we were little my brother Mark invented a game for us called “Stuntman.” At the top of the stairs the Stuntman would sit on a metal chair inside a sleeping bag stuffed with pillows and blankets. We would zip the bag up then toss the Stuntman down the stairs. In hindsight, Stuntman was stupid and dangerous. It wasn’t our fault though; we didn’t have cable. Climbing those stairs could even more trying, especially in the early morning. In college I bartended Saturday nights at Burke’s Tavern (aka The Bloody Bucket) and I’d roll in around 4:00 AM. My mother couldn’t stand me working there so she would greet me each Sunday morning to tell me that. One morning I was slugging it up the stairs with a can of Mountain Dew in my hand. She came out, startled me, and I let go of the Mountain Dew can. The can magically road down the stair railing until hit the bend on the bottom and exploded into the wall soaking Mom with Mountain Dew. I didn’t get any more early morning lectures after that.
Falling down a set of stairs can happen in a blink of an eye and it takes no effort on your part to go from top to bottom in a New York second. Think Pets.Com, sub-prime mortgages, and now crypto money. I’ve seen young and old go tumbling down stairs just by accident; all it takes is one missed step to have the bottom drop out. At the same time climbing stairs can be really difficult, especially if your not feeling well. After I had bypass surgery I went from something to nothing in 2 seconds flat. I barely could climb the stairs to my office; but day after day I’d gain a couple more steps and a few months later I was going to the gym each day again. There were no vaccines, pills, or a new laws passed for a quick recovery. Like all things with value, they go hand in hand with hard work. At the end of 2021 after everything was clear I had a relapse with esophagus cancer, so I’m in the middle of chemo again. Was that falling down? No, that’s falling up and I’m more than willing to have to work hard to stay in the mix. From me to you; my days of playing Stuntman over. Slainte!
What parents ??? Oh yeah!!!! Whoops!!!
I remember the kids going down the staircase from the 3rd floor in either a sleeping bag or laundry basket! Growing up and hopefully falling up!! Stay well!!
Fran, where were the parents? Pete
We played a similar game growing up sans pillows- we would jump off the garage roof with an umbrella- I guess we were obsessed with Mary Poppins- always continue to fall up!
Lynne, isn’t it funny how gravity works differently in real life compared to Saturday morning cartoons? Pete
A very inspiring message!
Shelley, great to hear from you! I hope all is well in KC. Pete
Great writing and imagery Pete. Since you mentioned it the only person I have ever scene falling up is our President Joe Biden. All kidding aside, you’re an inspiration and your “walk the walk “ will help many of your friends for the rest of there lives.
Greg, let’s not confuse tripping up and falling up. The latter requires hard work. Just sayin’. Pete
As usual great reading!
You are my inspiration.thanks Pete.
I agree with so many of everyone else’s comments.
Each and every blog is either touching or inspiring or soul searching….,
But taken as a whole, they are chapters in a great and true story that is just magnificent.
Thanks for staying dedicated to this. Many would let the effort die on the vine.
Reminds me it is time for 🍷!
David, thanks for always reading and commenting. My writing continues to evolve, but I like bringing in old memories that everyone has, but forget for some reason. I think they help remind people we all have overcome difficulties which help us tackle the next ones. I’ve had people ask me if I ever worry someone is going to get offended by my light approach. I am making fun of myself, so they’d have to be offended by me offending myself. It might require me to complain to me about me. Best, Pete
Pete another awesome message. Would like to share your Blog with a family friend dealing with health issues if ok.
Orville, thanks for reading. I originally started this to give people hope that they can conquer difficult challenges, whatever they are. Please forward it to whoever would need a little light. I also have an email chain which I am happy to add people to. Best, Pete
Pete you need to consider publishing your blogs.
Marcy, thanks for reading all the way from Michigan! I’m planning a potential ebook in the future, so stay tuned. Thanks again for reading. Pete
Pete so awesome about your blogs keep them up how about writing some books or small inspirations they keep me going can t wait to meet you ANGELS WATCHING OVER YOU
Beverly, thanks for reading and commenting. I’ll have to prompt Tatiana to make sure she sends the posts to you. Pete
I think you should consider a career in writing. Short stories, perhaps a novel, and maybe even a tv series. That climb is inspirational. Thank you for sharing 🍀
Bloody love this ❤️