Never Stop Trying

A Stodghill Says So blog:


It always is a wise move to begin a new year on a positive note. It is well to remember that the pot of gold goes to the person who is persistent, who perseveres. That is why early in our school days we were taught that "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."
As we matured, we heard another school of thought on the subject. It contended, and still does contend, that "If at first you don't succeed, the hell with it."
Few among us let such a cynical way of looking at life deter us from our chosen path. Despite roadblocks and land mines I have kept trying, always trying. Jackie will attest to this because many times I have heard her say, "Dick is a very trying person."
This sort of determination can at times be a bit discouraging. Take dealing with squirrels, for example. Years of my life have been devoted to trying to outsmart them. I have devised complicated plans, have even taken hammer and nail in hand to construct devices that no squirrel could possibly get around. At times it has become aggravating in the extreme when after great effort a squirrel will stare at me with that look on its face that says, "You poor pathetic creature, is that the best you can do?"
There have, however, been moments of great triumph. There was the day I watched as a squirrel fell out of a tree. It was an old pine tree with numerous dead branches at its lower levels. It was somewhat like watching the ball in a pinball machine bounce off one obstacle after another as he hit each of those dead branches on the way down. When he reached the ground I shouted, "You call yourself a squirrel, yet you fall out of a tree!"
He gave me that haughty look that comes easily to the face of any squirrel, then jumped on the tree trunk and began climbing. He kept trying, and that was the lesson to be learned: never give up, always keep trying.
Remember that squirrel as you embark upon the route ahead in this new year. I do. Almost daily I think of him and all his cousins as I keep trying to find the one sure way to prove my superiority. Never surrender, never stop trying.

My grandfather used to say that the day he stopped trying the undertaker would know it was safe to nail down the lid. He was a good teacher to have around.

Two months ago my husband had to push me in a wheelchair when we would go to doctor appointments which numbered 18 for the month of October. Then I graduated to a rolator, a great walker with a seat or coffee server, however you want to use it. Then one day I said, "I think I can walk without this walker," and I did. Today I was heading into the shower and my husband asked me something. I backed up to answer him. I thought "Wow!! I can walk backwards." Now this may sound unexciting to some, but cancer had cut off the nerves from my legs to my brain and I no longer could do these things, but now I can. I'm working on standing on one leg, which might take a bit longer.

I was talking about priorities with a friend today. My priority is being able to walk, being able to cook and clean my house, not dwelling on my past stupid attitudes, or past publishers, but on the present as Shelagh so wisely stated yesterday on another thread.

Dick,

Bravo, Carol, BRAVO! I can at least walk. A little like a drunk penguin, but I walk none-the-less. JUst don't ask me to turn sharply. The day I let go of the wheel chair and walker was a liberating one.

Zada,

I've looked just like a drunk penguin at times! Turning sharply is not something I can do yet. What I worry about when I go places without the walker is that someone is going to bump into me and down I'll go. Walkers kind of warn people to stay away.

This has been quite a learning experience. My body forgot all those things it learned when I was about two.

The drunk penguin walk is even more useful on snow and ice. Those penguins know what they are doing!

Carol

Carol Troestler wrote:

Zada,

I've looked just like a drunk penguin at times! Turning sharply is not something I can do yet. What I worry about when I go places without the walker is that someone is going to bump into me and down I'll go. Walkers kind of warn people to stay away.

This has been quite a learning experience. My body forgot all those things it learned when I was about two.

The drunk penguin walk is even more useful on snow and ice. Those penguins know what they are doing!

Carol

I use a cane when I am out in the world. My balance is not good, so it gives me stability! We've got the snow and ice. If it was all solid and level, I would probably do okay, but when you step you are likely to sink down to your knees, and if it isn't level, I slide. I have several 'butt angels' in the snow out there!

Nice to see an updated photo, Dick. Only problem is, you look even more stodgy than before. I didn't think that was possible, but you fooled me!

Thanks, Brenda. It's always nice to see your efforts appreciated. I have never stopped trying to live up to the name Stodgy.

The new one just makes me want to go up and hug you, Dick!

Well come right ahead, Zada.

Hug him, Zada? Poor girl, let me help you to lie down, and I'll get a cold cloth. You'll be okay in a minute...

Spoilsport.

That's me...