Or—
What Would I Do Instead?
Our neighborhood trusted
gas station/car repair shop has had the same sole owner for fifty years. I wasn’t
here to verify this, but so I’ve been told. For at least twenty, we’ve brought
all our cars to him and he has always been scrupulously honest. His loyal assistant
has been there for as long as I remember. Bridgeway Service
is venerated and loved by all who had experienced the decent way they conduct
their business.
A few years ago, I
got into a conversation with the owner, who told me he would love to retire.
What he really wanted to do was experiment making homemade barbecue sauce and
invite his neighbors to sample his ever-evolving creations on that front.
This stayed with
me, and every time I drive in to get gas or inflate my tires, I think of a
dream delayed when I see Steve, the owner, still at it.
At this stage of
my life, I have the privilege to be able to dedicate myself to doing what I most
want to. I write fictional stories for young readers almost every weekday. I
try to imagine what I would do if writing fiction became impossible. A few
notions float by on wispy clouds~~~~~
Run a cat rescue
Write movie reviews
Make biscotti from a family
recipe I improved
Those misty
billows evaporate as quickly as they appear. I could do any of the above, but
not every day or every week. This cements my feeling of gratitude. I’m lucky to
be where I am.
It also seems
unfair, as Steve from Bridgeway has worked harder all his life, and has earned
his right to make barbecue sauce full time. Life, really, isn’t fair.
Do you have any
dreams delayed you would be open to sharing? I wish you the vision to see
clearly the way to fulfilling those.
