Enjoy Every Sandwich

by Ed Meyer

posted on April 26, 2018 in General Discussion, Handicapping, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | 1 Comment >>

 

What’s been on your mind? – Is it the Derby just days away? – How about the big score that eludes us until luck hits home. – Have you been thinking about a trip in the sun or a “bucket list” track you’ll be visiting soon? – Not me. I’ve had something rolling around my noggin for some months and Friday can’t come soon enough.

I’ve been on the bench since November. It was right after Breeders’ Cup and I hit the ground like a ton of bricks. – As we get older sickness creeps up on us like a bad dream. – This time down was not the usual and had many questions that would only be answered by doctors, nurses and many trips to the hospital. – Welcome to getting old was my first thought, and then the worry set in.

The two greatest words in the English language are “In Remission.” – Two words and eleven letters can change your whole outlook on the way you look at life. – For me, it was an awakening of sorts. A time to reexamine your life. – Now, I’m not trying to be over dramatic but it changes the way you see things. – You enjoy the small things, there’s no reason to argue or get heated, the things you worried about are replaced with a gentle kinder you. – As Warren Zevon said; “be sure and enjoy every sandwich.”

For me, I counted my time down by months at first, then weeks, and now I’m into hours. – I walked back into the announcer’s booth and was greeted by friendly faces. The kind of people who make you feel good. After chit-chat and cleaning up, the feeling was great to be back. – The days that used to have any kind of stress will be replaced with sheer child-like enjoyment. You can bet your hat I’ll enjoy every race. Even the ones that aren’t my best. – Someone asked me a question when I was in the hospital. ” Who are the best race callers?” – For me the answer was easy. – “There’s the retired Tom Durkin, Larry Collmus, Pete Aiello, Trevor Denman, Michael Wrona and then there’s the rest of us.” – I have some big plans for this year. – Don’t take yourself too seriously, enjoy what you’re doing, get there early, talk to more people on the way in and out, and enjoy every second.

This year I have known more people battling some sort of illness. I guess that’s the signpost of “you’re officially getting older.” – My son told me I don’t get mad about anything anymore; I don’t get miffed if the dog makes a mess and I speak with a softer tone. – He’s right. It’s not that big of a deal and we’ll just take care of things as they come. – When I walk in on opening day, the smile on my face is pure joy. It’s for any and all who have battled something this year. For my friends and new friends who want to get back to living and having that new sense of normalcy. – It’s gonna’ be a great day and I can’t wait. If you want to tune into the happiest guy who gets to do something he loves. Turn in Belterra Park on Friday. – The first post is 1:20 pm. – Best of luck from your friends at Winning Ponies!