THE COAST IS CLEAR

“THE COAST IS CLEAR, COME ON AHEAD!”

 

A JOKE BETWEEN TWO BROTHERS ENDING WHEN THERE WAS JUST ONE

Bob & Ted


         I believe it began just before my brother Ted’s 70th birthday and ended with his 84th birthday. Since I was 1 ½ years older it was assumed that I had scouted out the birthday year Ted was about to enter. I would call or see him on each of his birthdays (starting with 70) and announce, “The coast is clear, come on ahead!” And so I did and so he did for the next 14 years.

 

         Since Ted’s death I have not thought about that little birthday exchange we had on each of his birthdays from 70 through 84 until just recently. Was there an inner voice on each of my birthdays that shouted out to me (My inner voices always shouted.), “The coast is clear, come on ahead?” Not having been there before, it was an act of faith on my part. Happily, the coast has been clear for me.

 

         At the age of 86 my inner voice is still shouting (Perhaps a little more muted.) and I find myself listening more. The coast is still clear but a few more obstacles appear in the pathway. So far, all are manageable.

 

         I find myself reexaming that expression anew. It begins with the “luck of the draw” (probably a poker expression) as far as aging and health are concerned. However, there is also the personal control factor. That is, taking what we’ve got and making it better. It is a subject Ted and I discussed often.

 

         How two brothers can differ in attitude regarding living and dying I, to this day, find intriguing. Ted, upon enter his 70th decade assumed that he would not see another. It was true that he had serious health problems but he was a prime example of taking what he had and making it better. I, on the other hand, upon entering my 80th decade began issuing invitations for my 90th birthday party, followed by our 50th wedding anniversary the following year.

 

         I would like to think that my reports on each of Ted’s birthdays through his 70s that the coast was clear and he could come ahead brought him far beyond his expected 70s, almost to the middle of his 80s

        

         As for myself, I am the eternal optimist. I will be 87 in October of this year. My 90th birthday party will be in October of 2018. Keep the last week of that October open. You are all invited.

 

         I’ll be there. Will you?

 

Bob Flicker



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 © robert 2014