In The Blink Of An Eye

[Guest]

I've experienced ups and downs recently, some of which have thrilled me ... others that have me thinking it may be time to sell the cars after all ... and others yet that have me wondering how much I belong...anywhere. And, it's been interesting to note that the recent events, and others in the past, have mostly been "shocking twists" versus changes that have happened over a longer period of time. And, since we tend to marvel at how things change in a split second...this got me thinking....


One decision/act can destroy a relationship forever.

One kind word can solidify a friend for life ... and, in some cases ... illustrate how your perception of yourself may not be the same as how others see you...[perhaps a whole different topic of conversation].


One error can turn a ballgame on a dime.

One well-timed suicide squeeze can win a ballgame.


One mistake can ruin perceptions and one's reputation.

One statement can open up a whole new dimension of the web of life, revealing how small this world really is ... and creating an even better friendship, despite miles between people.


One piece of news can turn lives upside down, with people left wondering "what might've been"....

One choice can make you wish you had seen or done or attended something...that you might never have the chance for again.


So .... what are some "stunning change" moments that you have witnessed/experienced?



Cort:33swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve.pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.lego.HO.model.MCs.RT.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"There comes a time when we heed a certain call" ... USA For Africa ... 'We Are The World'

 

[hensylee]

one thought just now came to mind and it's 'don't sell the cars. they mean way too much to you'.

Life can change in the twinkle of an eye. that's a very true statement. One of them is saying "I do". Another is saying 'I am a parent'. another is 'uh oh, I shouldn't have done that one'. or 'I should have..........' I can think of a million.

The last one was 'I should have flipped #18 on the switch box so it wouldn't cost me an electrician call'.

 

[Praline]

Your post brought back many thoughts for me...

Just last week, my friend and I were standing by the school at lunch (summer school session) talking about what a difference a weekend can make. We were remembering the Friday before Katrina, leaving school and chatting in the parking lot, saying bye with " See you Monday". Little did we know that would be the last time we would see each other for many weeks, and the last time we would be teaching at that school. The school is reopened now but in temporary buildings and I do not teach there anymore.

The next thing that came to mind is going to my Primary Care Physician for my yearly check-up November 4, 2005, the check-up I had missed due to Katrina. I walked in thinking I was healthy. After a listening to my heart,an echocardiogram, and a chat with a cardiologist, I walked out facing OHS. I tell my PCP now that is the day I got old.

Yesterday I was sitting here thinking about last year at this time. My husband and I were just back from MA. He had a sharp pain in his right ribs that had been there for about 6 weeks. Who would have thought that 8 months later, he would be gone.

When I stop and think about my life 2 years ago compare to now...and yes, the changes happened quick and unexpected...

 

[Mary]

Well, there are many ways I could respond to this thread. Certainly it's true that an action can dramatically alter one's life and that of others. However, you also have to keep in mind that you have no absolute grasp on what would have happened if you had taken another course. We think we know, but in reality, we can't really predict with total accuracy the outcome of our actions beyond a given amount of time. I believe that's where the, "we don't know God's plan" comes into being. I also believe if you dwell in the "what ifs" you will drive yourself or others eventually crazy. It's much better to live in the here and now.

But, having said all this, I will relate one quick decision I made that I hope will affect a change in other's lives over the years to come.

Last winter, while feeling a little down and out, I once again caught sight of the tv commercial I had been trying to get a phone number from. It was the number for Christian Children's Fund. I was too late, and that aggravated me. I went to my computer and put a search in. I found the organization, and immediately got my debit card out, typed the numbers in, and commited to sponsoring two children. I didn't care what sex they were, their nationality, their age, or anything else. I just wanted to help. CCF always says that you will receive a letter from the children, but honestly, I didn't want that either. I was ready to make a monetary commitment, but not an emotional one. I should have known better!

I was hooked as soon as I got the introductory letter from CCF. I am now the proud sponsor of a seven year old little girl from Indonesia and a seven year old little boy from Bangladore, India. Pictures were enclosed, and I put them on display so my family, who didn't know what I had done, would understand as soon as they saw their faces. I also changed my will to direct that a given amount of insurance money be used at my death to continue sponsorship, if needed, until they reach the age of 18. I have made a commitment for the next eleven years to children I will probably never meet. However, I'm an optimist (because being a pessimist gets you nowhere), and somewhere in the back of my mind, I hope I will be able to do more someday, and perhaps they will visit when they become adults. And that really is optimistic! Not only do I have to stay alive, for my hope to become reality, but they do too! And considering the poverty they live in, that may turn out to be a real challenge. Nonetheless, I felt real happiness last night after typing letters to them both. I may have gotten the better end of this deal!

So Cort, because I caught sight of a tv commercial, and acted immediately on an impulse, my life was suddenly changed for the better. I hope Novi's and Akbal's have been too.

End of story . . . unless you want to hear me relate the tale of how Matt Lauer's latest worldwide trip resulted in my deciding to have my ashes scattered over the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland????? Now THAT got my family shrieking!

 

[Bina]

Cort, don't make any rash decisions regarding your cars...think about it.
We also had lots of cars, usually 6 at a time. Now we only keep 2 oldies and 2 drivers. We came to a point where our old car club membership was dwindling, everyone is getting older , and we're just more busy trying to keep up with "life".

 

[WayneGM]

"Stunning change" moments do happen at the blink of an eye....sometimes it's decisions/acts you make/do....sometimes it's decisions/acts that somebody else makes/does that impacts you. All you can do is live life the best you can, and make decisions as best you can, and hope you have no regrets.

I echo others about your cars.....from your posts I know they mean so much to you. Don't make a rash decision based on short term "twists and turns".

Anyway, to you question...what are some "stunning change" moments I witnessed/experienced...there's too many but to name a few....
1) OHS
2) Watching the birth of my son, and a few years later my daughter
3) The moment my wife said "yes" when I asked her to marry me
4) The day my father died
5) After my parents helped me move into my new apartment in Toronto....and then they left to go back to out family home in Montreal.

 

[BDMc]

The Blink of an Eye

The Blink of an Eye

Cort, Cool topic! I can think of quite a few where others saved me from a lot of suffering, and some where I may have saved a couple of lives. I sure am grateful for all of those! But there wasn't a lot of thinking involved, just spur of the moment actions. One of my favorite movies is It's a Wonderful Life. What a difference we all make, some for good, some not so good. I try to make the majority of my actions on the "good" side. Not always successful. I think philosophically Mary is right(as usual) there is a plan, and even the "evil" is part of it. I have to go due to one of my decisions, made years ago Don't sell all of them whatever you do! Your valve bro, Brian

 

[RCB]

Years later........

Years later........

except for one "beater", I have regreted every car I ever sold. They were a part of my life, it makes me sad to think about what happened to them.

 

[Guest]

End of story . . . unless you want to hear me relate the tale of how Matt Lauer's latest worldwide trip resulted in my deciding to have my ashes scattered over the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland????? Now THAT got my family shrieking!

*raises eyebrow cautiously*

Am I the only one slightly intrigued by this?




As for the MCs ... we'll see.... But, thank you.



Cort:33swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve.pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.lego.HO.model.MCs.RT.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Loose your blues" ... Kenny Loggins ... 'Footloose'

 

[BDMc]

I'm Interested...

I'm Interested...

Cort, She gets me every time! Maybe when things level out a bit we'll hear her story. Your valve Bro, Brian

 

[Guest]

*nods*

Indeedy ... she has a way with words ... don't she?

Yes, I hope that sometime next week we will be able to read about that story .



Cort:33swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve.pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.lego.HO.model.MCs.RT.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"This heart is gonna mend just fine" ... Sawyer Brown ... 'This Night Won't Last Forever'