The Dreaded Helicopter Hovering Over Eisenberg.

 Counting my blessings.

One hears it first. That loud sound often emitted by old tractors. A heavy, hovering loud engine noise emitted by an approaching helicopter. The yellow angel for some and the yellow messenger of bad tidings for other.

The medivac helicopter with its yellow colour is at times rarely seen but others much too often. It only gets called out in emergencies and everyone knows that seeing it land close by means bad tidings.

Close to lunchtime another sighting of it. I heard it first and sadly, with a practiced ear, knew where to search for it in the sky. Yes, there is was circling for its final descent before landing. Over the top of Eisenberg. Strange how straightaway my mind went through the various options of who it could be. Not too many folks live up there permanently and thus the list of names dwindled. Let's hope that the person who got picked up is going to be okay.

Live has so many outcomes. When we are young it seems endless and our plans of how to spend it too. As we get older a hint of its finality starts flashing on our mind's periphery yet, often we take no notice and carry on as if we had an eternity before us. Many times we do, but for a few fate isn't that generous.

Lately, many of these messages from fate are being felt by people I know. That changes one's thoughts instantly. Once we realize that a person we know well, perhaps a loved one, is ringing with fate over the length of their life, we start to realize how precious life really is and often how fragile. I find that at times like these I feel incredibly grateful to not have to stand in the ring with fate.

 Grateful for everything around me. The people I love-my family, the flowers, our home and of course for my health. Why does it take another one's illness to start to appreciate life and living? A paradox which needs to change. Gratitude, or the lesson on how to apply it, should be taught to us from early on. Gratitude is so powerful an emotion after all that I can't help but wonder if all of us wouldn't lead more fulfilled and happier lives being grateful for what we have already...

Biggi