Perspective is the Real Key

By Lynn Dee Galey

Today was truly a lesson in perspective.  A dear friend said goodbye to a brother. Another lost a beloved dog. My day blessedly lacked tragedy but still gave food for thought. 

The afternoon ended differently than planned.  I took a drive down the trail, planning to do a nice hunt with Crush.  As always, she was impatient as I got ready, focused ahead,"hurry up LD."  

 

It’s a 2-track to get there and a beautiful day so I took my cart. At one point while hunting I reached into my pocket for something and realized that the cart key wasn’t in its usual spot. You know that sinking feeling when something pretty important suddenly isn’t where it should be? Frenzied search of all pockets and pouches. Nope, it wasn’t there. Retraced my steps, carefully and pointlessly watching the ground which of course was littered with leaves.  Hoped against hope that I had uncharacteristically left it in the cart but nope. Nothing. 

So began the long walk back to the house. Crush had a great time and hunted the whole way back but my mind was on the key box that sits on the desk by the front door.  There was a spare key in there, right? I repeatedly asked myself. 

Yes, there was indeed a spare key. Which I immediately tied to a long ribbon of colorful surveyors tape for peace of mind.  Peeled off my hunting gear and had a cold drink before starting the long walk back to the cart. A chill sets in early now along with the sun so I kenneled Crush with the others and headed out solo.

Solo is a key word for where I live. My house is the only full time residence among cabins and cottages in the area. Pretty empty on a Thursday afternoon in October.  Friends would surely come to give me a ride but by the time they traveled here I could have walked back to the cart. 

Walking down the trail mumbling to myself about what a dumb move this all was, I was startled when a large pickup truck came up behind me.  The wind was blowing and I didn’t even hear it approach.  The nice folks were driving to set up a blind for youth bow hunting weekend and were happy to give me a ride to my cart.  The father said that he and his family  have been coming up to this area for over 30 years.  I pointed out my house and said there was no one around at all so I was on my own to fix my mistakes such as losing my key miles from home. He smiled and said, “I really envy you.  Living right here. With all of this right out your door.”

His comment and perspective made my botched hunt and long walk fade away. Reminded me that I do live well. And brought my thoughts back around to my grieving friend and my other who has a heavy heart for their loss. Perspective. Sure keeps us grounded.