The Day That Changed Everything

Yesterday was a day of much contemplation for me. I know. Big word. Contemplation about everything that has changed.

Yesterday was the anniversary of the day I got fired from my morning radio show. It’s been six years. Wow! I wrote all about it in my book, “I’m Not Done Yet,” which is still available at Amazon.com “just in time for the holidays. The perfect holiday gift!”

Where was I?

Oh yeah, the anniversary.

The day that changed everything

What do I do on that date? I saved all of the wonderful emails, Facebook messages and posts. This is the one day of the year I go back and read them. It’s nice to read some of the beautiful comments from Sue, Carrol, Fred, Chris, Darlene and so many others, some that I never met or knew. They reminded me of things we did on the show or interviews with groups or school bands. We did a lot of different things over the years. I met so many wonderful people.

I mentioned the anniversary to my daughter, Sarah, the other day and she said, “It’s the best thing that ever happened to you.” I told her I couldn’t really agree with her and then she said, “Well I like this version of you better. Remember how stressed you used to be?” True. I was your typical stressed out father of four, in his 50s, trying to get everything done with down-sizing happening left and right.

When one door closes

I am happy to look back and see all the changes since that day. Don’t get me wrong, I was devastated when it happened and spent a few days in a fog. But then came some good things. I had a new radio show for a year or so before I had a stroke. I will admit, I’ve wondered if God was saying, “Look, you’ve done this radio thing enough. What do I have to do to get you to try something else?”

I explored writing when I got an offer from the Standard Times and I really enjoy that. I’m continuing with a couple of projects I’m excited about.

And probably best of all is the time I’m able to spend with my grandson Liam. There’s no way I could have visited him so much when he was born. And now I’ve spent close to a year being his Grampnanny and I never could have done that if I still had that 40+ hour work week.

So yeah, I really miss the old radio show and, if given a choice, I would prefer not to have my disability—— but it all opened a new door.

I get it.

Radio is currently going through a tough time with some companies experiencing RIF or “reductions in force.” I have a few former colleagues who have been laid off. I’ve also heard of more people dealing with health challenges. I guess my message to you would be: I get it. It stinks. It’s not fair. Experience your anger and your depression. Get the rest you’ve been denying yourself. Then, try something new. Say “yes” to new opportunities. Maybe some day you too can look back and realize it’s been an amazing ride.