There's no doubt about it, second chances are wonderul and if you ever get one please don't waste it. Recognized it, take advantage of it and savor and cherish every single day of it. It's the best you can do.
Some of you may remember that in 2012 I underwent surgery to remove half of my thyroid and half of my parathyroid. A very small cancer was detected and removed and I required no further treatment: no chemo and no radiation. And I'm still doing great in that regard.
WHEW! Thank God!!
One of the other benefits of the surgery was that I was now able to get my calcium levels stabilized. I had no idea that it was causing me to have awful problems with the arthritis in my hands and shoulders and hips and knees. I thought that it was just a natural progression of arthritis. Evidently the calcium imbalance was making it a lot worse.
A few months later I began to notice that my hands were not having near as much pain. (the hands were always the worst). I was finally able to stop popping arthritis strength Tylenol 3 times a day and I could now sleep all night with out waking up screaming in pain.
Within about 8 or 9 months the gradual improvements in my calcium management had me back to the place when I was 12 years or so younger. My arthritis was barely noticeable. My bottle of Tylenol sat on the table and went out of date. I was free again.
I had been very concerned about my ability to handle all my semi automatic handguns. I was so worried and so convinced that I was headed for permanent disability that I bought a couple of revolvers.
I had started out with wheel guns back in the '60s before the semi autos got so popular and common. Going back to them gave me a surprising rekindling of my love for them. I put them into the rotation of carry and trips to the range and have continued to enjoy them.
I have known all along that my new found freedom was not going to be permanent. The arthritis did not go away. I knew that eventually that natural progression I talked about would happen and that even with a normal calcium condition my hands would one day start giving me problems. This knowledge helped me to stay appreciative of my second chance.
It lasted almost 5 years. That's 5 more years to acquire and enjoy my two latest 1911, my Ruger SR 1911 .45 and my Sig 1911-22 .22lr. And every time I had occasion to handle or even think about them I gave a silent little prayer of thanks for the reprieve.
But my hands are now starting to give me trouble again. still not having to hit the Tylenol that hard but I can see it coming. I have decided not to carry the .45 any longer as my ability could now be impaired to the point that I'd get myself in a jam if I had to use it. My daily carry is and from now on my Ruger SP-101 .357mag. with 2 speed loaders for more fire power if I need it. I can shoot it very well and feel like I'm well covered but I miss the variety of having more than one carry weapon.
I may still take the 1911s to the range but will probably wind up selling them before too much longer. I could sure use the money and it is pure torture just having them and and knowing I may not be able to handle them any more.
But I had my second chance. I'll always be grateful and I can go on now and accept my new situation with grace.
It is the end of an era of my life. And like all the other eras of my life that have passed I will miss it. But I will think back on it with pleasure and be satisfied that I had it as I did. So many don't get the second chance they deserve.
Onward and upward...it's only life.
Some of you may remember that in 2012 I underwent surgery to remove half of my thyroid and half of my parathyroid. A very small cancer was detected and removed and I required no further treatment: no chemo and no radiation. And I'm still doing great in that regard.
WHEW! Thank God!!
One of the other benefits of the surgery was that I was now able to get my calcium levels stabilized. I had no idea that it was causing me to have awful problems with the arthritis in my hands and shoulders and hips and knees. I thought that it was just a natural progression of arthritis. Evidently the calcium imbalance was making it a lot worse.
A few months later I began to notice that my hands were not having near as much pain. (the hands were always the worst). I was finally able to stop popping arthritis strength Tylenol 3 times a day and I could now sleep all night with out waking up screaming in pain.
Within about 8 or 9 months the gradual improvements in my calcium management had me back to the place when I was 12 years or so younger. My arthritis was barely noticeable. My bottle of Tylenol sat on the table and went out of date. I was free again.
I had been very concerned about my ability to handle all my semi automatic handguns. I was so worried and so convinced that I was headed for permanent disability that I bought a couple of revolvers.
I had started out with wheel guns back in the '60s before the semi autos got so popular and common. Going back to them gave me a surprising rekindling of my love for them. I put them into the rotation of carry and trips to the range and have continued to enjoy them.
I have known all along that my new found freedom was not going to be permanent. The arthritis did not go away. I knew that eventually that natural progression I talked about would happen and that even with a normal calcium condition my hands would one day start giving me problems. This knowledge helped me to stay appreciative of my second chance.
It lasted almost 5 years. That's 5 more years to acquire and enjoy my two latest 1911, my Ruger SR 1911 .45 and my Sig 1911-22 .22lr. And every time I had occasion to handle or even think about them I gave a silent little prayer of thanks for the reprieve.
But my hands are now starting to give me trouble again. still not having to hit the Tylenol that hard but I can see it coming. I have decided not to carry the .45 any longer as my ability could now be impaired to the point that I'd get myself in a jam if I had to use it. My daily carry is and from now on my Ruger SP-101 .357mag. with 2 speed loaders for more fire power if I need it. I can shoot it very well and feel like I'm well covered but I miss the variety of having more than one carry weapon.
I may still take the 1911s to the range but will probably wind up selling them before too much longer. I could sure use the money and it is pure torture just having them and and knowing I may not be able to handle them any more.
But I had my second chance. I'll always be grateful and I can go on now and accept my new situation with grace.
It is the end of an era of my life. And like all the other eras of my life that have passed I will miss it. But I will think back on it with pleasure and be satisfied that I had it as I did. So many don't get the second chance they deserve.
Onward and upward...it's only life.
