Health? I’m still alive. I have a doctor’s appointment in a few weeks to discuss my bloodwork results. It could be bad news. Not that I fear the announcement of some deadly disease, but things like cholesterol levels, A1C, etc. Since October of last year, when my dad got sick, I have been off my diet and exercise. I haven’t been able to get back on track all this time.
I have been sort of busy. Last year, I promised my friend Michele that I would play 30 minutes of cocktail music on her wedding day on my saxophone. I had not played in front of people for a very long time. I had a year to prepare, and I did. Everything went as planned, and she and her groom were very pleased.
Besides trying to get healthy for the past seven years, I have been trying to recapture my abilities as a professional musician. In the past, I was a musician in the Navy. It was fun, but the problem was that I got paid whether I practiced and improved or not. I coasted on natural talent. I also got burned out. We performed a lot. So when I left the Navy after 20 years, I quit playing. I didn’t play for 10 years. Since 2017, I have been on a mission to regain some level of my talent.
I am now a better player than I ever was in the military. I’m not trying to become a professional musician again. I am only trying to sharpen a skill and talent I was given at birth. I play for my satisfaction and enjoyment, and to provide joy to others.
Last week, I was in Washington, DC, to attend my son’s graduation from American University. He graduated with a Master of Science in Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy, and we are all very proud of him.
While there, I saw monuments, historic sites, and other sights I’d only read about in books. The monuments were larger than life; the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Capitol Building, and the White House were incredible. I had the same overwhelming feeling when I saw the Tower of Pisa while stationed in Italy. It was surreal. It was a good visit and it was great to see my son
This week, I have tried to get back on track health wise. I am mostly back to my chosen way of eating. However, I have allowed some bad habits and foods over the last several months. I will have a difficult time overcoming those things. As usual, though, I am determined.
Contributing to my current condition was some sadness because of my dad’s death. I had hurt my back helping him in and out of bed. It was a very emotional experience. I lost focus and got off track. The weird thing is I have only gained three or four pounds. That being said, I don’t feel as healthy as before.
Now, my back is starting to feel better. I can start going to the gym again or at least going on some walks. The sadness of having lost my dad is lifting. I do feel more responsible for my siblings, though they are adults. They live good lives, but when they face difficulties and worry about their children, I do too, also about my children.
Overall, things are getting better. I will never give up fighting for my health and quality of life.
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