I see sunshine and beautiful colors
A PLEASANT SURPRISE
I’m still laughing as I write this . . . life is truly a magical mystery tour.
I picked up the mail a few days ago, just as I do most every day. Sorted through it . . . looked at a catalog explaining Teamster retirement benefits . . . thought it was a strange thing for me to receive, thought nothing more about it, went on my way with the rest of my day.
A tickling in my brain several hours later . . . why am I receiving a catalog from the Teamsters regarding benefits? True, I had once been a Teamster, way back in the late 60s and early 70s, but that was another lifetime ago.
Kept thinking about that; something didn’t seem right, you know? So I retrieved the catalog this morning, called the toll free number, asked why I was receiving catalogs about benefits, and lo and behold, I am a vested member and I have retirement benefits due to me. LOL
Who woulda thunk it? Somehow I accumulated enough hours to qualify under the Ten Year rule, so I have a little paperwork to fill out and then I’ll receive monthly retirement checks . . . and Bev will receive payments after I die.
A very nice surprise, one which got me thinking and reflecting once again . . .
AN OLD SAYING I REMEMBER
“Don’t quit five minutes before the miracle happens”
That saying was shared with me twelve years ago by a mentor. I was struggling at the time, trying to give up alcohol, one more attempt at shedding the demons, one more attempt to get my life back.
“Don’t quit five minutes before the miracle happens, Bill,” Ralph said to me. “Just hang in there long enough to see the miracle unfold.”
That was twelve years ago and, for this recovering alcoholic, those words came true. The miracle has happened, and continues to happen each and every day.
So, if you are a writer . . . or if you are anyone going through a struggle . . . don’t quit one second before good times arrive. One thing I know with certainty is that I know nothing about the future. You know that old joke . . . if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans . . . that perfectly applies for this boy in this lifetime. I have no clue what is going to happen tomorrow. As a writer I have no clue if tomorrow is the day a publisher falls in love with my work. As a human being I have no clue if tomorrow will bring me riches, or heartache, struggles or smooth-sailing.
My job is to be ready, and to never quit trying.
MY DAD
It’s funny, thinking back. One of my Dad’s favorite sayings was “Always move forward, Bill. Never give up ground you have gained.”
He and Ralph must have been soul-brothers. Same message, different words.
Have a great day, all of you, unless you’ve made other plans.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
This is awesome and truly a wonderful miracle indeed. I agree as my mother pretty much has echoed your friend and dad’s words. So, I guess that is why I truly find myself trying hard to never quite give up here either. But loved the story and reminder here today. Happy Tuesday from me in rainy, New York today!
Thank you Janine! You had a very smart mother.As for weather, it is perfect here…seventies under blue skies…my ideal weather for outside chores.
What a wonderful surprise! I am always happy when I find money that I have forgotten in a jacket or pant pocket.
I have an old laptop that I was not willing to put more money into getting it fixed. I was going to throw it out but something told me to wait. It would start but shut down. The screen was dark. Months later, I pulled it out and turned it on and it started up. 🙂
Have a great day Bill!
Susan, what a lovely surprise, hearing from you. Thanks for reading my blog…I hope you and that laptop are well, my friend.
I think we probably all have a story like this one. We either quit before we arrived at our goal only to discover that if we’d have hung in there we would have won. On the other hand, we probably also have seen times where we hung in there and the miracles come.
Congrats on the added income. I am sure that both you and Bev can use it!
Thank you Donna! Yes, there have been those times…we just have to put in the roadwork and be patient for the results.
Perfect timing, Bill. This morning, I was going back and forth in my head about whether I should even be sitting in front of my computer contemplating writing as a career. You see, I had already claimed myself to be a writer. I even designed business cards and placed the title, “Writer” under my name. I was hoping that would give me some inspiration to get up and start writing. Today, I was thinking of throwing in the towel. Then, I read your message about not giving up before the miracle happens. It’s funny where inspiration comes from. Thanks Bill!
Marlene, don’t you dare quit writing. You are a good writer. Perhaps, instead, you should concentrate on your marketing of your blog/writings…that is where most writers come up short. 🙂
I do fall short of marketing efforts. By the way, I am so happy for your recent good news. Money falling from the sky is always a good thing.
Thank you Marlene. Listen, this is what I think about writing…if you love doing it, then do it. If you have a passion to do it,allow that passion to flow. If you want to make money from it, unfortunately, marketing is a necessity.
I love it when stuff like this happens. And what fun to find that out unexpectedly. I’m really glad you listened to your hunch to find out about what was going on with the Teamster catalog. I’m not sure what that is, but I’m *really* glad it turned into an extra income stream. Ha! Sending you hugs, Big Bro, and wishes for a wonderful week!
You and me both, Lil Sis! I imagine they have been sending me notifications now for five years. lol Maybe I should start paying closer attention to the mail, you think?
Happy for you big brother.
It is true…. Just hold on… The miracle will come.
Thanks Greg! I appreciate it, buddy!
That’s the best sort of surprise — one that improves your finances and offer some sort of security. Something like that happened for us, too, and suddenly I shed a whole pile of stress about dying in poverty. It really did feel like a godsend. And yes, we must never give up, in case that very thing you’ve dreamt of and worked hard for comes true.
Wishing you a wonderful heap of good surprises and little miracles, my dear friend 🙂
Thank you Sarah! It was a bolt out of the blue, my friend, one which will be put to good use for sure. Thanking my lucky stars today for sure.
Wishing you a brilliant Thursday and beyond, Sarah!
Yes, Bro. God does indeed laugh when we make plans. Still, it’s nice that He is looking after you in this beautiful way. You and Bev must have some good karma also. Lol. Peace bro.
I like to think our karma is pretty positive right now, Manatita. Crossing my fingers that it stays that way.
Thanks my brother!
Hi Bill – See even being a Teamster in your youth has worked out in the long run. Congratulations. Many, likely have to access the game plan and if starting a new game is the right move, then make the move. I quit a few places, if there was a miracle, I doubted it was worth the wait.
Thanks Mike! Looking back, I’m just amazed it never dawned on me about the pension….oh well, it’s real and it’s mine!!!
Funny thing about miracles, coincidences, lucky breaks, call them what you will, they seem to happen when you least expect them.
I’ve been reading your blogs, writings and musings for years now and I know you’ve done your hardest to create a life that suits you. Not your neighbours, friends or societal expectations, you. That included trimming away the excess, becoming self-sustaining and living within your means. You’ve not veered from that path, though I imagine it’s been a struggle at times, but stayed the course. It seems that the universe acknowledged your sincerity and determination and sent a boon your way. Good for you, Bill.
Your title reminds me of a story about a man who invested all the money he could scrape together in a gold mine venture. He spent years digging and borrowing more money until he finally gave up, sold the mine to another and used to money to repay his debts. The new owner hired a geologist, something the original owner hadn’t done, to better his chances of finding gold. As it turned out, the first owner was only three feet away from hitting a lucrative vein. This story doesn’t just point out the importance of perseverance but also the importance of knowing when to change the plan to achieve your goals.
Congratulations on your windfall, Bill. You’ve earned it.
Zulma, you are far too kind, but thank you! What some would call determination in me just might be cussed stubbornness. lol I just don’t have it in me to give up or admit defeat. Yes, it has been a struggle, but I also knew the goal was possible if I counted on my abilities and kept pushing forward….this time it paid off. There have been many times it didn’t.
Anyway, I appreciate you, Zulma, and I’m proud to call you a friend.
Determined? Stubborn? Those are relative terms. It really depends on the outcome. If it’s a successful result, you’re determined. If it goes t*ts up, you’re just a stubborn, old mule who won’t listen to reason.
As far as those times when it didn’t pay off, what can I say? Life’s like that sometimes. (shrugging my shoulders).
I’ll catch you later.
Enjoy the hell out of your upcoming weekend, Zulma…and thanks always!
Never give up – and I SO believe in miracles Bill! You continue to motivate and inspire. One of my greatest blessings is knowing you through Face Book, and all the books you have written and that I have read. I cannot WAIT until you are finished with your next book!
Lea Tartanian – God bless…PS I just read the book, “The Wife” and saw the movie. All about her husband being a famous writer. What an eye opener!!!
Thank you Lea! You are a joy in my life as well, and I greatly appreciate you. Thanks for the book and movie tip…I might find time to do both now that the market has ended.
Blessings always dear friend!
Wow, Bill what a wonderful windfall for you! Had you not called them and gotten the paperwork you need to fill out, you would have missed out. Thank goodness for nagging instincts!
Thank you Sha! I guess I’m so accustomed to junk mail, I just figured that’s what this was….whew! Sure glad I woke up in time to smell those roses.
Hi Bill…
Like you I have seen the miracles in life, all one has to do is stop and reflect. Bets the painful pit fall of only looking at your sorrows. We all have the Ralph’s and hopefully Dad’s that became our mentors. I always look at the old sages of yesterday and never refuse to listen to their advice.
Yet another thing we have in common. I was a Teamster as well working on the docks in West Vancouver years ago. I guess you never can tell what comes in the mail. I had better keep checking.
Be sure now to spend that retirement check well and take your girl out on a date… she is a keeper.
Hugs and Blessings as always
Rolly
Rolly my friend, I will take your advice and take my girl out to dinner. Without her I would be a mess, so she deserves a nice thank you meal. Thanks for the suggestion, buddy!
Hugs from rainy Olympia
Wow what a nice surprise things happen for a reason , something made you revisit the mail make the call and bingo . . . . result! Nice unexpected bonus! Enjoy your good weather Bill here is good too a nice month here though some definitely cooler windy days but the shorter the wintery months the better. Have a great week!
thanks so much, Irish! Every once in awhile a surprise is dropped on our doorstep, and isn’t it nice when that happens.
The rain has returned, but temps are mild so not bad all told. Enjoy the heck out of your week in Paradise!
Bill
Mum used to say “the game’s not over until the whistle blows” and guess what, in Rugby its not over then until the ball goes out of play!
I love that idea.
I would have liked you mum, Lawrence!