Budapest-the beginning

Wow this is a beautiful city, amazing architecture, old classy buildings mixed with the stark contrast of some communist erected buildings, so you really get the sense of conflict that this country has endured.

I have been slapped in the face with the reality of some of the lives of the street people here. One evening when we were enjoying our outdoor dining experience an old man was coming up to each table and muttering (I assume in Hungarian) and just staring at the food on each table, just standing 2 feet away and looking at us with eyes that were pleading yet defiant. I really didn't know how to respond and found myself looking down at the table embarressed, uncomfortable, and having no idea how to repond. The owner of the restaurant came over and talked to him softly and motioned him to a nearby bench. Before long the owner went over to him with some food wrapped in a napkin and a bottle of water. The gesture just made me tear up (and I am now as I think about it). This is such a growth opportunity for me. . .

Okay, my life is comfortable as it is. I have been retired for 3 years from PPS. I love the work I am doing for Portland State (which requires no 6AM alarm clocks). It is satisfying to know that I am having an impact on the next generation of teachers.

But. . .we are still young (not really middle aged unless we live to be 116!) and we have fewer obligations than most of our peers.

As I watch my dear friend, Karen, battle an aggressive form of ALS, it becomes more apparent to me that we live our dreams. She has faced this disease with courage and dignity (as has her husband, Bob). Yet, she can no longer do anything for herself. There were no warning signs before she was struck with this, she was not able to plan. If she still had the ability to speak, I know that this is what she would say, "Go for it!"

So I have gone from comfortable to this my next life adventure. . .