BIRTHDAYS, DYSLEXIA, GUARDIAN ANGELS, AND FAIRY TALES
Buzz and Barb’s wedding photo. September 2021.
You’d think after eight decades I would have figured it out. But here I am, on my 28th birthday and I realize I’m dyslexic. Which, of course, works to my advantage when it comes to birthdays.
Maybe I really am 28. At least my mind thinks so even if my body doesn’t. In truth, when I move around, my body sounds like an old East German Trabant in need of a lube job and tune up. And believe me, Trabis are a lot older, those few that have survived, than 28.
That aside, my bride, Barbara, and I are embracing the dyslexic digit placements and carrying on with life as if we were both 28 instead of that other number. Among other things—and since a few of my followers may expect something related to my writing in this blog—I am, audaciously and perhaps optimistically, preparing to sign a contract for my fifth WWII historical novel.
There’s also the more mundane challenge of hustling to get my expired passport renewed. You see, two years ago, in the wake of my late wife’s passing, I knew with great despondent certainty I’d never need a passport again. At 80, I realized I was done with life and vice versa. No, I wasn’t suicidal or clinically depressed, but I was DOWN—a Trabi with four flat tires. Existing, but going nowhere.
A crappy East German Trabant (1957-91), sometimes referred to as a “spark plug with a roof.”
Then Barbara materialized out of my distant, hazy past and, in so many words, told me to get over it. I laughed, sardonically. She stood her ground, kept after me, and changed my life. People sometimes wonder if there really are guardian angels. The answer is yes. I married one. People sometimes wonder if fairy tales really do come true. The answer is yes. I was part of one.
Why me? Well, more to the point, why us? In truth, I have no answer. Was it fate, God’s will, a lucky coincidence? I have no answer. All Barbara and I know is that we are both very lucky or very blessed. Likely both.
Yes, I have no answers for what happens in life and why. I know only that if you are offered a second chance you grab it and surge forward. Damn the four flat tires, and hail dyslexia.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: If you haven’t read the back story of Buzz and Barbara’s adult fairy tale, you can start here and continue with subsequent blogs.]
Sherry and I wish you the Happiest of Birthday Blessings Buzz. May you live long enough to get yet another passport. If my dyslexia hold out, I’ll be 97 this year🤠
🎊🎁🎂🎁🎊
Thanks, Edd. BTW, maybe you’d better opt in to non-dyslexia.
What can one write to a writer? You have covered all bases leaving nothing out. I am happy that you and Barbara have gotten together or is that back together? You both have rekindled a beautiful relationship, congratulations and happy birthday to a 28 year old.
I only hope that on my next birthday I can find myself in a dyslexic state where I can once again see 18, and try to relive some of my past, would it be fun, or have those times gone? Yes, I did graduate at 16.
Good to hear from you, Tom. And just remember, we graduated in 1995.
Now this post is certainly an upper. I hope you and Barbara wear your new passport out. 28 is a good year to get dyslexia. Since I will soon be 67, I think I will postpone my dylexia for a few more years. I look forward to being 7 again. From what I can remember it was a good year. Cheers my friend.
Dyslexia does come in handy. Thanks for your note, Ann.
Thanks for the uplifting post, Buzz. Hold on to the treasures you have today.
Hi Buzz, your message came shining through.♥️ Your gift to the world 🌎 is the way of your words to touch many hearts. I always look forward to reading the next chapter…🐎
We’ll try to keep the chapters coming, Darcy. As always, wonderful to hear from you.
Happy Birthday, Buzz … Yours is an incredible and an inspiring story ! All the best to you and Barbara as you continue on your journey . 🙂
Thanks, Tom. I love being back in the PacNW, but I sure do miss the ol’ Weather Channel gang.
Happy birthday, Buzz! Truly you and Barbara are blessed! Since we have known you for almost 30 years, you can’t be 28. But you don’t look or act 82! You are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God!
Love,
Connie and Buddy
I ditto what Connie said, except I’ve known you for over 50 years!
Love and Blessings,
Vicky
Thank you as always, Vicky.
Thank you, Connie. Please give Buddy my regards and tell him I keep him in my prayers. BTW, it would be wonderful to see you two again if decide to follow the Oregon Trail later this year.
Happy Birthday Buzz. I enjoy reading your thoughts.
Thanks, Bob. I always love hearing from you. And I hope your back issues have been fully resolved.
Happy Birthday, Buzz! May good health, love and happiness continue blessing every of the birthdays ahead of you and Barb. You both truly deserve it. Cheers from across the “pond” from both of us.
Thanks, Vida. I hear you may be visiting soon. Both Barb and I are looking forward to seeing you again.
Thanks for this, Buzz. Your challenge for us to embrace second chances and change was just what I needed today. I’ve been looking at an upcoming life transition with fear and trembling, (a pending move back to the NW) and I just need to get over my hesitation and do what it takes. Thanks for the encouraging kick in the pants.
Glad to oblige, Nick. It would be wonderful to have you as a “neighbor” again, though I realize the NW is a big place. Please let me know if you make it back to “God’s Country.”
Thank God…..I now understand why I’ve got acne and got flashes (which I actually enjoy) being your YOUNGER brother……please keep showing the way with you
What!? You’re younger than 28?