28 Jan 2021 (Overnight thoughts)

Over the spring/summer of 2020, plans and resources were put into place for a grand 60th birthday party surrounded by family in Key West.  It was my way to show my love/appreciation to my family as well as continue my journey ... another step toward achieving closure, healing, and celebrating my oldest son's life. It was a well-thought-out plan and was being executed until the "unknown unknowns" emerged.

Well, life has a way of generating lightning bolts out of the blue and thus the venue has changed, time lines have changed, perspectives have changed--life has changed! Despite setbacks (I remain positive/aggressive), I still seek safe passage with family to Key West. But will now have to add new variables (some unknowns) to the calculus to achieve my goal.  Won't make it there for #60 and do "hope" to see #61, but I will try my damnedest to make it happen while simultaneously winning the ultimate battle of life--survival. In the spirit of hope, perhaps serendipity will prevail.  

Hope is not a plan, but I do find "hope" to be an integral part of life if used with a purpose and an endgame. I don't give up easily nor quit.  

”It’s always something, to know you’ve done the most you could. But, don’t leave off hoping, or it’s of no use doing anything. Hope, hope to the last.” 

– Charles Dickens