Could have been-

If you know me you know that I have a few storage units in a couple different locations (Anchorage and Seattle right now, always subject to change). Storage units; that extra room for junk most people don’t want to admit they have. But take a drive through any American community and you can see just how popular they are. Mine are handy because I dislike taking a bunch of luggage when I fly back and forth from Alaska to the states. They are also for storing them few things I deem important or worthy of saving as I travel through this life here- and because I choose not to have the burden of a permanent home to keep them in, yet.
So as one of my summer projects here in Anchorage I am sorting through some belongings that have been here for some time now and seeing which of them are still worthy of paying rent for. I’m running across some old pieces- mainly photographs that bring back memories of good times. Friends that have come and gone and some that have returned again. Old family stuff, keepsakes from both of my grandfathers, several pieces of artwork from several old girlfriends. And of course there are many ‘What the hell did I save this for?’ moments.

From the back of the top shelf comes a stark reminder of just how very different my life could be today. Laying in a hospital bed in ‘93 I remember hearing; ‘you may not walk, or at least not as good as you should but we are going to try this procedure‘. A lot of alcohol and a large motorcycle were the key ingredients too an Evil Kneivel type stunt that had landed me in said position. Obviously the procedure worked and I haven’t stopped walking since.

Life goes on. And what a strange trip it is.
The torso splint, worn between episodes of a full on body cast during my recovery, isn’t your average small keepsake like most sane people would save. For reasons I haven’t yet worked out with myself I haven’t been able to throw it out. Its followed me for almost 20 years now, do I need a reminder? My back hurts like hell at times, ok, pretty much hurts every day really, isn’t that reminder enough?
The storage units themselves, the sometimes strange contents collecting in them, my freedom, curiosity and wanderlust- Im just not ready to give them all up yet. Like small change continually thrown into a jar on a night stand, will it all amount to anything in the end? Who knows, maybe someday Ill buy a TV, a couch and will sit still long enough to answer that question… or not.