I burn through a lot of precious time I’ll never get back bitching about my lot in life but every once in awhile the Universe reminds me of just how blessed I am to be The Hook, for only The Hook would have a guest encounter like this…
He was a strapping man-mountain with powerful hands and a booming voice to match, which he used to hand me his family’s luggage one early morning while exclaiming, “I bet you’ve seen everything in this job… Until now.”
My response was the same as it always is when guests attempt to shock me, which they do quite often.
“I’ve never been foolish enough to assume I’ve seen everything the Universe has to show me – especially in this job.”
Undaunted, he continued to hand me suitcase after cooler bag after backpack until he came to a giant, shiny plastic bag. A smile as wide as the FBI’s black file on Donald Trump enveloped his face as he said:
“I guarantee you’ve seen something like this before. Here’s my bag of legs.”
It was a that point that I turned my gaze to his left leg – which was factory-issued rather than God-given.
“I have an Olympic-level running leg in here, one for swimming and even one with special pivoted joints for golfing!”
You’re no doubt feeling a slight twinge of surprise right now, just as I did.
For a nanosecond, at least.
“Wow. You’re like a real-life G.I. Joe action figure with interchangeable accessories, sir.”
Our banter paused as he considered my words carefully. And then he saw the, let’s go with “wisdom”, in them.
“You’re absolutely right, boss. I am a real-life G.I. Joe!”
And this, at last brings us to our point for today.
#29: Unexpected Encounters With Beacons Of Light.
I have no idea just how this guest lost his left leg; the circumstance will forever be a mystery to me. But I know this: He hasn’t let it slow him down. He has a family, the love of a good woman (I’m assuming his wife isn’t a raging succubus) and a dynamite outlook on life, one that was actually infectious. But a good infectious, not infectious in a way that requires a shot of penicillin.
And by the way, his legs really were pretty cool. We’re talking Tony Starkesque quality.
And so I was grateful that our paths crossed and not simply because it allowed me to contribute another entry to my stalled campaign. I’m grateful because this guest made me smile (as Ronnie did so often) and gave me a reason to reflect on everything that’s happened in the last two years. I’ve been through several soul-draining trials that have left me devastated and too weak to go on at times.
But I’m still here.
And so are you, I hope.
So let’s travel on together, shall we?
See you in the lobby and down the road, friends…
But how do we know he is not a raging incubus? 😉
Good point.
Words of wisdom, still pouring forth from the Fountain of Hook. Grateful you’re still here to share them with us 🙂
Me too, Tara.
Thanks.
I know a few amputees, and generally they have a really black sense of humour. I’ll tell you one day about my radiotherapy pal and her change of hairstyle
I look forward to it.
Excellent, Hook. Meeting the unusual as we go through life is one of the best parts of staying with it. Your story has a number of lessons. 1. Good to meet terrific people. 2. We think we have it bad until we meet someone who has a greater challenge. 3. It takes courage to meet each day and turn it into a triumph. Well done and I’m so glad you are still telling ’em.
Slowly but surely, John.
😊
I love his survivor attitude – and your quick action figure “with interchangeable accessories” response. Both of you have seen and lived more than most.
Smiles all around no doubt. (He’ll probably use that line, too – and grin with the memory)
“When the student is ready the teacher arrives”?
Thanks
NO, thank you, old friend.
Thank You, Hook!!!
I needed that!
Glad to be of service!
Way to glow!
Indeed!
Yup, I’m still here, thank you very much.
Kinda reminds me of when I got home from the stroke rehab place and was trying to figure out how to deal with the world with less mobility than before. I happened upon a video of a kid with one leg playing on his school’s (American) football team.
He sort of hopped along on his one leg and played his position like it was no big deal.
I thought wow, if he can do that, I can do this, and I still think about him sometimes when things get difficult.
Thanks for sharing, Doug.
You’re a hero in your own right.
Great story, Sir Hook. Interesting people and life lessons are more than enough reasons to look forward.
Indeed they are, Dan.
Indeed! Let’s travel on. Great post, Hook. Thank you.
It was my pleasure, Widow.
Thank you for stopping by.
What an awesome guy! Isn’t it wonderful when you cross the path of someone who can light up the world and make you realize how lucky you really are? Many thanks, Hook!
I live to serve, Jennie.
That is wonderful, Hook. Frankly, everyone should live this way. Really.
I’ve never been a role model, so thank you.
You’re welcome!
Small interactions with lovely strangers can really leave a lasting impression I think.
I love that he told you, “here’s a bag of my legs!”
And he did it with a giant grin, to boot.
Excellent story that brought a smile to my face 🙂 It’s been a while… Glad you’re still around, Hook!
I’ve hit a rough patch but I’m still and still swinging, thanks.
I suspect there were a fair number of lemons in this guy’s story; sounds like he’s mastered the art of making gourmet lemonade. A worthy example, and addition to your “reasons.”
I thought so too, Dave, thanks.
That guest would surely win at an ass-kicking contest; I mean with numerous after-market upgrades in a bag, surely he has one devoted to kicking ass. 😉
I bet you’re right.
Beauty blog, Hook. Everything’s relative, isn’t it? Keep on truckin’.
I’m trying, SW, thanks.
Ah, may we all have a moment or two where we are reminded of our blessings. Despite the tragedies I’ve known, I’ve always loved life, and SO appreciated a nudge from anyone that reminded me of that. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading.
Sent here by Archon’s Den, and hooked already!
Welcome, my fellow Niagaran!