Something About Survivability

Should you be conscious of mind and

fortunate as I to draw yet another breath

today, the relevant question may arise,

how is it through all these years that I

have managed to survive? Some will say

sunshine, exercise and clean living was a

factor in paving the way; bold tenacity

and struggling through hard times others

may claim. In this life filled with its myriad

complexities, with its unexpected twists and

turns where chance outweighs thoughtful

planning and skillful execution, any number

of reasons can be appropriately considered

and applied. For me, I tend to lean towards

the less considered convention of profound

simplicity. As a child, holding hands while

crossing the street father passed along was

key for me and my survivability. And although

resistant as hell, mother forced me to obey

her most pronounced orders of the day—keep

those elbows off the table, and eat all your

vegetables, young man, or there will be no

dessert for you. There are circumstances

beyond all reasoning which may explain how

it is that I’ve managed to survive nearly 72-years

thus far in life. Herein, I am compelled by the brevity

of my remaining time to name but two, which more

than likely played a role in helping me get through.

And yes, there were those days I ate my Wheaties

hoping to enhance my chances.

Chris Hanch 1-28-19