Introduction

There is a novel--a great novel--by Thomas Mann, "The Magic Mountain". The main character has a habit of 'taking stock' of his life every year on his birthday. He reviews the past year and tries to put his life into some sort of perspective. I'm trying the same thing--but I'm trying to put an entire life into perspective. "It's not dark yet, but it's getting there" and I'd like some clarity, some understanding. 

I'm almost 62. 

   I was too healthy for the life I'd led. Skiing, coaching lacrosse at the high school level, walking or jogging daily...until a dot.com size tick bit me on the ankle and I ignored the tell-tale circular rash. Lost about 40 lbs and my sex drive. Shivered and sweated. Finally found a doctor who told me I was "lucky to be alive"...began treating me. Too late. Damage done. Nerve endings fried, joints and spine effected. I found out I had a spinal birth defect!! At age 59.

Anyway, things have changed and I'm going downhill at a steady clip. Walking is difficult and I'm cranky and selfish all the time (that's not much of a change...ask Pam). So, I'd like to review the trip. I'd like to see if there's something back there that might be useful to me or you as we bravely put one foot in front of the other moving uncertainly through this strange land.