Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you’re alive, it isn’t.
(Richard Bach)

Lately, I find myself staring off into space a little more than usual. Not quite zombie-like, but close.

Given the skin-cancer diagnosis and the need to prepare for surgery in upcoming days (the procedure is scheduled for September 29), I guess it makes sense. You know, thinking about life and death … and taking stock.

Why am I here? What have I done? What is there left to accomplish? What is my mission in life? Do I have a mission in life?

Yes, of course I do. I know it’s there somewhere. It’s just that defining my mission seems to be a little elusive right at the moment. The truth is: ever since entering retirement involuntarily, I haven’t quite gotten it together.

I admit, I have struggled to find meaning and purpose. Mostly, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to regain some emotional equilibrium and have pursued various avenues to better cope with my bodily chronic-pain issues.

In the last month or two, though, I’ve sensed that I may be on the cusp of turning a corner: making myself more fully physically able and functional.

And, then, cancer.

You really never know what is going to happen next, do you? The course of your life, or mine, can change at any moment.

We really should never forget that.