A Lucky Guy

I'm a very lucky guy.  It may sound trite but as the

t-shirts, hats, and posters say "Life is good".  Every now 

and then you have a day that reminds you just how

grateful you should be.  Yesterday was that kind a day for me.

It began with my usual morning walk along the beach with

my dog Happy  A clear winter day with perfect (for dreaming)

6 inch waves. Oh well, no surf.  It wasn't really even that cold 

thanks to Patagonia caplene base layers and a light wind.  Someone I 

barely know, a fellow dog walker and trash gatherer,

wished me a happy birthday.  How he knew it was my

birthday remains a mystery to me.  Sure was a pleasant and

kind surprise!  Next came the phone calls

from family and friends wishing me well. The calls warmed 

my heart,  let me know that I am connected and cared about.

After seeing a few patients in the office, always a grounding

experience, I took my 91 year old mother for a walk on the

boardwalk.  Sure was nice to get her out of her apartment for a bit.

Cold winters can be tough on a dependent 91 year old.

They can keep you indoors and kind of alone here at

the Jersey Shore.  That's not a healthy thing.  As mom and I

walked all I could do was think about how happy I am

that she is still here, still relatively healthy, still able to go for a walk.

The early evening brought more treats.  Steve Mullen, the

founder of the South Jersey Chapter of Surfrider, and

a really good photographer (www.stevemullenphoto.com) was

being featured at a new art gallery in Asbury Park.  A number of 

friends showed up to check out Steve's work and enjoy the opportunity

to spend some time together.  One couple, having just returned from

PR,  was filled with stories about their trip.  Another dear friend

gave me a big birthday bear hug, a card that plays "Wipeout" when

you open it, a gift certificate to my local surf shop, and a Cuban cigar!

After the gallery it was off to dinner with my wife, my kids, 

their spouses, and my grandchildren.  How great is that.  I'm a lucky

guy.  I'm blessed with good friends, a great wife and family, and

my health.  It doesn't get much better than that! If you look at it

the right way I'll bet you are lucky too.