Attitude
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Winston Churchill
I want to know who brought us to this country.
I’ve just dialled my father and before any sort of greeting, this is what he says into the phone. I tell him it was his decision. I was a child and no one asked me. He laughs and says he doesn’t believe me. I had an opinion and a mind of my own even then.
It’s been twenty-five below in Calgary all week. When he opens the front door to let the homecare worker in, he feels the chill enter the house. Why don’t we buy an apartment in Greece? he asks. The same one we rented. It’s perfect.
You’re 88 years old, I respond.
So what’s your point? He says.
It’s a long trip. Remember?
So? Once I get there, I will still have time to enjoy it.
It makes me think about me. When did I become so afraid to take a chance? I don’t know. When did I stop having a mind of my own? Perhaps I’ve gotten too comfortable where I am, too safe in my routines. My elderly father is prepared to take a risk I wouldn’t begin to consider.
We could walk across the street; have a coffee outside. Have lunch at the corner place.
He remembers our neighbourhood in Athens perfectly.
I do too. I just don’t remember where I lost my sense of adventure?
And with this discussion, he reminds me I need to ask myself this question and more importantly find it again, i.e., that willingness to throw caution to the wind and see what happens.
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