Can unwanted advice save someone’s life?
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Well, hello. Good to see you. Well I see you every day but we don’t really pause long enough to talk, reflect, and make plans for the future. You are always so rushed. You never stop. It’s like you look straight through me. When did it get like that? So many questions, I know.
So how long has it been? Five, ten years?
No! Not ten years? But then again maybe it has been. The twins were eleven. Wow, not even in High School. You lived somewhere different then didn’t you? That’s right. Great to see you still with your wife. Long suffering isn’t she? Nudge nudge, wink wink.
Is that her in that photo? Hasn’t she held up well? Must be looking after herself.
And what about you? You looking after yourself? Heard you had cancer a couple of years ago. How is it now? A few side effects hey? That’s no good. How old were you? Forty six? That’s young. Didn’t change your lifestyle any by the look. In fact, you’ve probably let yourself go a bit haven’t you?
How’s the memory? Remember that young man in the boxing ring. That was about thirty five years ago wasn’t it. Okay-too long ago. Karate, boxing, treks in Nepal and New Guinea. Some good achievements there—well done you.
Doesn’t mean much now does it? Sorry did I say something you didn’t want to hear? Well it got your attention didn’t it? Maybe others have said it and you listened but you didn’t ‘hear’ them. Or maybe you chose to ignore it.
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One of your younger brothers died last year didn’t he? That’s right I heard that. He was fit right? Training for the New York marathon? Yep—died of a melanoma in his stomach lining. Terrible I remember. Didn’t inspire or motivate you at all. Pity.
Hey meant to talk to you about the medical tests. Yeah I know -a few months ago weren’t they? High blood pressure and high cholesterol. Wow-lucky you don’t smoke anymore or you might not be around for this conversation. So how’s that working out for you? Diet changed, lifestyle changed? A bit? A bit? How can you change these things a little bit? Can you be a little bit pregnant? No that wasn’t a weight joke.
Sorry was I too harsh then. I hope I’m not out of line but really, what’s changed big guy?
Look I didn’t want to bring this up mate but it’s the elephant in the room. Sorry another weight reference I know.
You look like you have but on a bit of weight? Heard you had to buy some new shirts for work. Good call-easier than trying to lose it. Well done, good strategy. And cheaper than a gym membership. No but seriously mate what are you carrying, one hundred and twenty five kilos? What? One hundred and thirty-man you’re massive. How tall are you, one hundred ninety centimetres? You are one big serious dude.
Don’t turn away, I might not get another chance for awhile. It has been so long since we spoke. I mean really spoke.
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So you turn forty nine in two weeks and treating yourself to a new surfboard. Why, what was wrong with other one? What? Sorry for laughing but it couldn’t carry you? That’s funny mate.
I know you don’t like talking about it but I can’t not. I mean really mate. We could talk about your drinking but I get the sense that we’ve picked at enough sore points-don’t want to send you in a complete headspin.
Don’t turn away, I might not get another chance for awhile. It’s been so long since we spoke. I mean really spoke.
Okay I know you have to get to work.
Seriously okay let me get this straight. You are thirty kilograms overweight, you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sorry what was that? A stressful job??? Okay got it- let’s throw that into the mix. A stressful job, no regular exercise, you drink too much, your diet could use an overhaul, you’re in your late forties and you keep upsizing clothes and toys to cater for your increasing size. You consider coffee one of the major food groups but at least you don’t eat a lot of fast food takeaway.
Small mercies.
Remember that funny little Chines Doctor that you had for a while-simple-‘move more eat less’. It was funnier how he said it know.
Well mate Im not sure what to say but hey good chat, good chat.
Stop by again.
I’m never far away.
After all I am the man in the mirror.
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Photo credit: khrawlings / flickr