It Was All For The Best
"Why must it always be such a struggle? Is there not a better way? Does it always have to be SO bad?"
Douglas wondered this one day while he was trying to decide which Fanny Pack that he would wear for his morning walk.
He knew that with the exception of death and disease, virtually every aspect of our life is always under our control. Sure the details may not always play out in ways that you would prefer them too, but it is ultimately HOW you respond to them that defines who you are.
Douglas was fearful that a poor choice of Fanny Pack, could have a disastrous impact on the rest of his day, and he did NOT want to be defined by a wrong decision.
After thirty-seven minutes of thoughtful consideration he finally settled on the turquoise colored one that was given to him by his friend Estelle down at Travelers Aid. Estelle had a real eye for color, which was lucky, because due to an unfortunate incident in 1987 it was the ONLY eye that she had left!
Soon he was off, and as he walked the streets of Providence he encountered his many friends, most of which even recognized him! When he found himself downtown at the bus stop he ran into someone that he had not seen in years. It was none other than Anthony Rapoza!
Douglas and Anthony had become friends in the mid-nineties when a series of free concerts where being held in the city. Both had been forcibly removed by the Providence police department on the same day for reasons that still remain unclear even after all of these years.
As the two reminisced over old times, Anthony explained that he had been working as a ride operator and traveling with a carnival for the past dozen or so years. Recently however, things had taken a turn for the worse and he now found himself back in Rhode Island living with his sister.
Douglas shared that he had actually considered running away with the Circus himself as a boy, but these days he was ultimately more focused on his creative pursuits. His time was dedicated to his career as a Record Producer, Internet Pornographer and Interpretive Dancer.
Life was full of surprises.
As Anthony’s bus arrived, the two old friends agreed that life can take you down many crazy roads.
Once he was gone Douglas continued on toward Travelers Aid where he hoped to said hello to his old friend Estelle, who for some reason had been on his mind all day.
Eventually day turned to night, and Douglas began to head for home. Along the way he had a momentary feeling of melancholy overwhelm him as he thought of all of the experiences that he might have enjoyed had he ever actually joined the circus all those years ago.
When it was all said and done though, Douglas knew that it was for the best. He had never seriously considered joining the Circus as a boy, and he knew that today would be no different.
At least he was able to see his old friend Estelle, he thought to himself. All the way home he pictured her warm smile, and that twinkle in her one remaining eye.
Everything that you enjoy is Copyright James Russo.
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