WAITING IN LINE

As Mekkar listens to the AC/DC song – Down Payment Blues, it takes him back in time to when he first heard it in the background. The Arctic Warrior wanted to buy the album - Powerage right then and there because he thought it rocked in a fantastic way. However, his wish was not granted during that particular stop on another Hockey Tour away from home. Mekkar was kept from making that purchase in person, due to the team bus was departing for the arena as part of the game day morning skate. All players on the team were required to be on that particular bus as to not miss the trip. In reality, the morning skate always ended up as a light practice instead of a familiarity skate in the rink. The idea was to get the team acquainted with the facility before participating in the game later on that day.

Sometime in the future, Mekkar heard news that a limited number of copies of the same album were going to be made available locally for purchase. He knew exactly when and where to be, as well as, hoping that no unforeseen obstacles were placed in his way. Mekkar was a creature of habit like many of his fellow citizens. However, he was very stubborn in his way and would be unamused if his plan did not work out as planned.

Mekkar was already living, down south, in the capital city and being employed by a local hockey team in the area. On the appropriate date, The Arctic Warrior woke up early and walked a few blocks to be outside the Import Shop. He was the first person there and waited for the small business to open its front door. Soon afterward, other stragglers shuffled up and formed a line behind him. This had occurred before, remembered Mekkar, when he concluded previous purchases there before. So, he did not expect any surprises. Yet, on this cold morning he was first in line with cash ready to be spent. There would be little time to waste once the store opened. The native from the north wanted to take care of this transaction quickly and be out the door. Ironically, Mekkar needed to head back to the arena to prepare himself for another morning skate. He felt this might be his last chance.

IS THERE A POINT?

Sometimes, Mekkar feels guilty and wonders why he is still alive, while people he knew died as a result of radiation exposure from a nuclear power plant explosion. Not to mention additional similar facilities have had “leaks” that most of the media have ignored reporting about.

Mekkar feels many times the reason why he survived and continues on to this day is to exhibit wisdom to others. Especially, helping younger individuals by teaching them how to avoid some of the mistakes Mekkar has made in his life - Well, at least the ones where he has found solutions.

The continuation process of his life does have some drawbacks. He still suffers in a physical and mental manner. Even though Mekkar, himself, admits that some of the debilitating effects were self-induced and stem from his sports style of play. Plus, heavy drinking, which was used to combat the pain. It was a normal practice, during the era of his career, but now is seen as taboo.

Then, there are some chronic effects that one can visibly see and beyond his control, which were forced upon him. Family members also blame the Arctic Warrior, as the oldest sibling, for the loss of their material possessions as a result. Unfortunately, Mekkar does not have a clear view that what he thinks his purpose might be or is it being fulfilled. He is not sure that any support, encouragement, & imparted wisdom he has supplied has taken root in any shape or form.

Who knows, all that Mekkar has imparted in relation to others around him might be tossed aside or discarded. Thus, he often asks himself, in his frequent daily bouts of depression, the question – “What is the point of continuing in and not surrendering?” Chiefly, since Mekkar could have encountered the same fate as fellow people he knew.

It is too bad that Mekkar’s many issues, built up over time, unintentionally chases away most people from his life. He is similar to a walled city that has been targeted by large artillery shells and some that occasionally pierce the wall. Next, the damaged areas are strengthened by a strong shield to keep invaders out. The Arctic Warrior suspects the main reason why most flee in the opposite direction is because they cannot relate to the situations he has experienced in the past. In other words, there is no desire for most to come face-to-face with their own morality.