When we were younger and unharmed
It is hushed in the house. The clock has not yet reached half past seven where it hangs over the kitchen door, - which, by the way, is no longer there. So the door, - not the clock. I think about the day. My wife has told me to start writing again.
I can sit on a chair, sit on a motorcycle, sit in a car, both behind the wheel and next to it, sit and watch TV and of course, sit at the desk and fiddle with the keyboard on the laptop. But I can't go much further. Not far either. It is literally the flip side of the coin.
Injuries
It turned out to be a long but painful sports career, but the concept of "tendon injuries" had not been invented at the time. Since then, I have learned everything, "the hard way". They say that self-learning is good, - so then you must bite the frustration and try to make the best of it. And I'm probably not alone, - there are many of us, but few talk about it.
We men are now not even so talkative when it comes to ourselves and our troubles. Then we'd rather talk about how far we jumped in “Kveldteigen” (our local jumping hill), or how many championships we took when we were in our prime. We are more than happy to talk about our youngsters and their bravado, but at the back of our minds is the fear that they will end up like you.
The innovator
I've been the first with a lot. Scandinavian newspaper in Spain, Norwegian radio broadcasts in Spain, Chief editor of Norway's first Sunday newspaper where we sneaked off in the dark of night to the printing office while the LO trade unions frantically hunted us. Yes, it's been a lot of fun. And now the lady wants me to start writing again since I mostly "just" sit here. But it has lacked that little kick to get started. Presumably, because it was so obvious. Myself and my life as an adult, and of course online. I'm no genious when it comes to data, so I've settled for establishing a page on FB while the actual WEB page or "home page" slowly came into being. With a bit of expert help from a programmer and daily maintenance from my omnipresent friend, Mr. Henning, I can concentrate on writing, so that's it.
So here we are
The black and white photo is one of the few I have from the time when I, like the rest of us, - was young and fit, when I won my first "international Championship a tournament between Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
Those of you who have seen the photo a few times and are starting to get bored must excuse me, - it is only one of the two photos I have from my 10 years as a top gymnast.
The color photo is from inland, not too far from Torrevieja, and as you can see, summer is warm and wonderful, but not very sensibly dressed for MC trips. I probably could have still driven the MC but have chosen not to challenge fate.
A good old acquaintance and former colleague rides his tricycle (special bike for those who are slightly disabled - I have the same one) to the bus stop, takes the bus up the mountain, and go skiing. He will probably appear here and eventually tell about his own experiences.
Forum
But keep in mind, this should not be a forum for half-broken men on their way to the scrap heap, - it should simply be a forum for "us guys", whether we are 47 or 77.
Because we are certainly not done with life even if we no longer somersault or jump three or four meters in a quiet length.
Enjoy the day!