Watercolor of man falling
Tripping to a Fall

Since I turned that magic medicare age of 65,
My insurance has given me a “wellness” check every year.
They look for avenues of failure as a forewarning,
To help me take care of things before it’s too late.

That said, and of which I’m thankful, I want to warn you.
It’s not an annual check-up that tells you everything.
But it’s the actions and reactions of every movement you make.
Every. Single. Day. Don’t Wait!

I’ve dealt with a particular foot issue for the past year.
Plantar Faciatias. Sounds like a painful political event. Right?
It’s not. There’s a little “ligament, tendon, or place” that connects
The muscle from the toes to the heel. It’s inflamed.

Pain at the oddest times. Some days, it’s all the time.
Even keeping me awake, flailing when I stand up,
Or even getting out of my truck.
It’s sometimes a precarious time to attempt movement.
Until I slowly stretch said foot and tell it to be quiet.

“Peace! Be Quiet!”
And like a storm, the firm voice commands.
Settle down. Go back to sleep. Shhh!

That foot t’ain’t working right!
It’s easier to trip and stumble.
In what was a normal life a year ago,
Is today a watchful moment of nearly falling?

Trust me. It’s been hard to consider the pasture…
Four playful German Shepherds who want attention…
Or getting up at night in the dark… Climbing a ladder…
Or just a quick trip to the store… Or lifting a heavy load…

Every place and all the time… Tripping, but not falling.

Anti-inflammatory. Aspirin or a substitute. Daily stretches.
Cold and hot treatment. Orthotics that cost $800!!!
But at least they can be trimmed to address foot change.
Until they’re trimmed too much, and then you throw them away!

Upgrade your shoes. Treat your foot better.
What caused the problem to begin with? Let’s see.
I hit the brake hard in that accident. Could that be it? Perhaps.
From Just 30 Months Ago… It’s a slow slog getting back into condition.

I walk closer to age 70 than I have ever been.
I know the body will slow down until it stops.
I’m just not ready to be limited. Tripping. Nearly falling.
There are still 30 years of living ahead of me!


This morning… I’m thinking of this in the usual slice of life. We can get tripped up in everything we do or choose to be involved. Yes. A trip precedes a fall. It’s gravity’s voice that will bring us to the ground. Falling. Failing. Struggling to stay upright.

Life’s Medical Mysteries are Life’s Realities.

There are ways to avoid a sudden crash. Welfare checks. Either allow someone to help you see reality or take ownership and treat the problem until it goes away.

Just because you win over the issue once doesn’t mean it’ll never return.

  • An addict is an addict, no matter how long they’ve been clean.
  • A well-treated medical condition can easily return if you don’t rethink what you were doing to cause it to arrive.
  • We trim our nails continually, less they become as eagles claws.
  • I reserve the right to shave before I go out. It’s sometimes twice per day!
  • There will always be challenges from the big “C” word. We don’t want to think about “why,” but it seems we are all easily potential victims – rash and harsh will be the treatment, and there are no guarantees from the event.
  • Glasses for my eyes. An annual checkup to ensure they’re healthy.
  • Regular visits with my dentist. It’s probably the hardest thing to do.
  • Vaccinations? Your choice, I’m sure, but we know some win by it.
  • Safe, conscious reviews of your insurance, home, and where you work or play.
  • Don’t forget relationships, finances, and continually growing in knowledge and skills.
  • When driving or as a passenger, keep your head on a swivel and eyes on the road. Keep your speed under control, and make sure your vehicle operates safely!

Life is full of events where we can trip. I hope we’re not doomed to fall from it.

Unless the LORD had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.
In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
(Psalms 94:17-19 NKJV)

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By Michael Gurley

Making Sense of Life, One Thought at a Time!