From Capt'n Pauley's blog:

“Life is what happens while you are busy planning your future.”

“Life is what happens while you are busy planning your future.”

Pay attention to that little saying, folks, for it applies to all of us. While we’re busy thinking about and planning our futures, real life sneaks up and whacks us on the back of the head.

I recently learned a whole lot more about this subject than I ever wanted to.

First of all, the Grim Reaper isn’t how he is often portrayed; a spectral figure, shrouded and carrying a scythe. He is more like an 800 lb. gorilla carrying a length of 2x4 and he is a real joker. Most of the time, he stands around, leaning on the 2x4 and observing the passing scene. Occasionally, he walks up behind someone and whacks them on the back of the head with that 2x4.

Another favorite activity of that 800 lb. gorilla is setting up domino trains. We’ve all seen those examples, the ones where someone takes over a gym floor and then arranges thousands of dominos. A touch to a single one starts off the show.

Well, that 800 lb. gorilla does the same thing. Some domino trains are short and preordained. Others are longer, with the outcome dependent on a couple of teetering dominos that could fall one way or another.

Many of these dominos are put in place by his helpers and he has many. Most were on my side and are clear in my mind; Nancy, Kim, Candace, Suzanne, Dr. Mike, Dr. Carlos, Dr. Bill and dozens of others. Others are less clear, floating in and out on a Percocet induced haze. Fewer still are neutral spirits and, luckily, fewer still actively against me. But make no mistake, they are his helpers and do, mostly, his bidding.

My whack came late one Friday afternoon. A heaviness in my chest was then followed by shortness of breath. I hadn’t heard the whack but I felt the after effects. I finally looked at my spouse of 40+ years and said. “It’s time to call 911!” With that call, the gorilla tipped over the first domino and off they went. I was there, but I was only along for the ride.           

There I was, on a ride I hadn’t planned on and a trip I didn’t want any part off. It was amazing to see the dominoes march on, unaffected by anything I wanted them to do. Occasionally, a domino teetered one way instead of another: “One of three things will fix your problem, medication, stents or open heart surgery.” We can all guess how that domino teetered.           

So here I am, weeks later, sitting at home recovering from that wild and unplanned ride. And you are asking yourself, “What does all this have to do with boating?” Nothing but my personal admonition to enjoy the moment, especially where boating is concerned. Take advantage of that weather window. Go for that last cruise of the season. Never put off a boating trip until tomorrow if you could do it today. Stop by the boatyard more often and say “Hi” to the guys. Never miss a chance to enjoy the Bay and the boating life we’re blessed with here. That whistling sound may be that 2x4 headed your way. That’s my advice and I intend on following it…

Capt'n Pauley