Right in the midst of the longest and best winning streak Iâve ever had â four consecutive profitable days in a row â tragedy strikes.
It seemed innocent enough, when the mother-in-law showed up Friday afternoon. And there was nothing unusual when she and the wife locked themselves in the bedroom. Even the occasional evil, bone chilling laughs that drifted from the chamber seemed not out of the ordinary.
Glad to be alone, I reviewed my charts, and ran a few tests. As darkness fell, I took my telescope out back to complete a few needed measurements of the moon in preperation for the coming weekâs trade. And then it happened.
As I stood there gazing through the eye piece, two shadowy figures charged from behind some bushes. Without warning, the wife threw a cross-body block, knocking me to the ground. At that point, the mother-in-law â a hefty beast, I must say â toppled the telescope, and proceeded to jump up and down on the instrument. As I lay helpless on the ground, the sound of twisting metal and shattered glass broke the evening silence.
Almost as soon as it began, it was over â my telescope in ruins, my work set back for days, if not weeks.
Maybe the time has come to give up on the dream. Maybe the time has come to admit that it was never to be. Maybe I should step aside, allowing others â younger, more resilient â to take my place. I did my best, worked as hard as I could, but it was never good enough. Surely a quarter of a century is long enough. How much failure, humiliation and heartbreak can one man stand?
Of course I will miss the excitement, the challenge, but not the never ending defeat. My days will seem empty at first, but perhaps I will find something else to fill the hours. Maybe even the wife and I will start getting along again â I really do love her, and I suppose none of this has been easy on my bride.
I will not be the first to accept defeat â nor will I be the last. I tried, honest to God I tried. I wanted it so bad â now all I want is to put it behind me.
I better close for now â itâs too hard to type with tears in my eyesâ¦