Natural

I have a meeting tomorrow that will literally, and I do not use the word lightly, define which direction my life will take.

Am I nervous? Hell yes. Am I prepared? Oh, hell to the yes. I am prepared to go to battle. In preparation for this meeting, I have been listening to the Imagine Dragons song “Natural”, a fist pumping power song that I can envision kick boxing to.

I have also been reflecting on what I have accomplished and or survived in my life. Below are just some of the things on that list.

At age thirteen, after my father died, I cared for my younger sister because our mother was too drunk to do so. Cooking, doing laundry, packing lunches and driving the family station wagon to Safeway were just part of the routine.

Walked into a dark trailer where my sister was fighting with her husband. She was high, he was drunk. She had a knife, he had a gun. I successfully got my sister and her two kids out of there without incident. I was 19.

Travelled to San Salvador, at that time, the third most dangerous city in the world, to consult with a factory owner on behalf of a Non Profit Group called BPeace. I was 55.

Travelled the world in my 40’s and 50’s working for a major retailer. Toured factories and negotiated multi million dollar deals with factory owners. Never once lost my luggage, because I was able to get through a two week trip with what could fit in my 21 ” carry on.

Was laid off from that job at age 56 and landed a new job within 4 months. Probably the longest 4 months of my life.

Survived a car crash at age 16 that put my face through the windshield.

Am I ready for tomorrow ? You’re damn straight I am.