Have you ever thought about how risky life is and what a miracle it is so many of us manage to make it into adulthood? I’m not paranoid, but dangers do lurk at every turn.
What with nature’s furies — hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, fires, floods, lightening and storms; the billions of microscopic bacilli and viruses around, on and in us; man made hazards like guns, explosives and weapons of war, it’s amazing I’m still here!
I can’t help but think of accidents with cars, trains and planes. I step onto my balcony and imagine it falling down to the cement patio three floors down — with me on it. gosh! Well, it could happen.
Normal people just live their lives, but I think of these things. Your chances of dying in an earthquake are one in 11 million. Not much. But what’s if I’m the designated driver?
They say one in 20 million die after being bitten by a dog. I constantly meet dogs on my daily walks. Does a snarl mean I should say goodbye right now? Then there are also evil people who may attack me even if a dog doesn’t. Oh, my….
Apparently the risk of being injured in an elevator is one in six million. My building has one. I use it every day. Some neighbours always take the stairs. Do they know something I don’t? And, why aren’t they telling me?
I’m not a scared person, but what I’m really terrified of is being hit directly by a celestial body. I have a one in a 150 trillion chance of this happening, but what’s if I’m the person standing right where the darn thing comes down if it does, when it does? Yikes!
There are a lot of other reasons why life is a risky business, but I won’t go there. You’d have to be a little nutty to worry about everything.
View from Over the Hill 
Oh my goodness — I have TWO dogs…and I see them ALL THE TIME! My chances of dying after a dog bite must be, like, one in a MILLION! Geez, Maughm…now I’m really scared…
Ha, ha Susan: You can tell I had a lot of fun writing this one.
TWO dogs??? ALL THE TIME??? Run and hide right away!!! Love, Maughm
I’m not paranoid but for some reason, after my accident, I don’t want to be left alone. Even in the bathroom, I don’t lock doors anymore. When in an elevator at work, I would hold tight to the guard assisting me with my wheelchair.
I understand Adelheid: But you have reason for your fears. They are real. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to recover.
I was just trying to be lighthearted and silly. I wish you a complete and speedy recovery from your accident. All the best. Muriel
You’re so sweet, Muriel! Thank you!
You’re welcome. Best wishes always. Muriel
I think about these things too. I know understand statistics, but that’s are meaningless to the single individual who is on the receiving end…I steer my brain away from these thoughts and just accept whatever will come next.
Thanks as always for reading my nonsense. Did you take me seriously? I hope not. I was trying to be funny. Fond regards to you. Cheers, Muriel
Haha, I got the funny I was just being a little s**t 🙂
You managed to scare me with one of my greatest fears — being misunderstood. Hope that makes the devil in you happy. All the best, Muriel
Haha!
It’s been suggested I do a part two of this post. Get ready for more. Chuckle. Muriel
Now that I have read your post, it seems that I am Ancient. 14 years of survival in this ‘dangerous world’. Woah, I am an adventurer!
You made me have a nice little laugh. I am more afraid of my mom than of the balcony falling down with me! 😀
You’re hilarious! You made me laugh out loud. More afraid of your mom than of the balcony falling down with you? Funny indeed. So glad I gave you a laugh. That was my intent. Fondly, Muriel
Haha, I love my mom a lot, was just kidding! I read that you are going to do a part two, eagerly waiting for it 😀
Yes I am. I had too much fun doing the first one to stop. Realized yesterday I missed tsunamis. There are more hazards than one can think of at one time. Ha, ha.
Not to worry. I’m sure you love your mom because she certainly must love you too. Cheers, Muriel
And what about the havoc cold is wreaking in Canada and US? I read thousands of people are without power in some states of Canada and The United States. I hate cold 😦
Oh dear: The risks are unlimited!!! I agree about the severe cold. Our streets were icy, I didn’t dare go out for almost a week, and that led to cabin fever, another danger. So many more things to obsess about. Ha, ha. Love, Muriel
BookWorm — You have a great sense of humor and you are very articulate! Did you tell your mom about this comment you made? I’m sure she will laugh!
I wouldn’t particularly tell my mom about the comment I made. What if she took it wrong!? Haha! Your mom has such an awesome blog that she might end up discovering it herself. Nice to meet you, Ms. Susan!
Just forwarded this to daughter Susan. Cheers, Muriel
Very nice to “meet” you too, Mr. Bookworm the Ancient Adventurer!
Among all the possibilities in your list, I’ll take the celestial bodies, thanks. Reason? Here one second, the next – poof! and gone. Most merciful.
Hi Jaya: Sounds like a wise decision to me, and may they wait a long time before hitting you. Hope all is well with you and yours.Love, Muriel
Hi. What you say is true. It’s hard not to worry about these things at least once in a while.
Don’t bother worrying Neil: I’ll worry for you. I do that well enough for us both. Ha, ha. Live life and enjoy each day. Cheers, Muriel
Love your thoughts and stories, Muriel. Thinking of you- Grace
I remember you with pleasure and think of you often. I also really miss you and hope one day soon we can get together again. Please take care of yourself. Love, Muriel
He he very funny
Good. I think that’s just what we all need during this difficult time. Laugh every day AND take care. Cheers, Muriel
Yes it is risky 🙂 but it would be worse if keep imagining all the troubles that might happen. On a serious note, a few weeks ago my husband’s cousin and his wife were walking home when an autorickshaw driver lost control and rammed against them, both sustained serious injuries. It is terriible.
Oh dear: I am so sorry about the accident your cousins experienced. I hope they will recover quickly. I was just being silly with this post. I did not mean to be serious about it. Thank you so much for reading. All the best, Muriel