Stages of Life

Stages are my life. They have been for a very long time, ever since I got into my current profession as a young adult. Sometimes the stages look like this.


They bring the world's most popular musicians, actors, actresses, comedians, speakers, and performers up close and personal. They bring a cast of characters like Big Bird, Barney, and Mickey Mouse to life for children to enjoy and learn valuable life lessons. They bring local and national politicians to the public, convincing us to vote for them or informing us of what they are doing for us. They are altars for clergy-persons of all faiths and denominations celebrating high holidays and mourning the loss of influential people like politicians and celebrities.


Sometimes the stage looks like this. They feature the beauty and artistry of ice dancers and figure skaters. They bring together a school or community to rally around the home hockey team against their rivals. They dazzle us with fastest and most athletic skaters in the world playing the sports they love the most, sometimes just for fun and sometimes for profit.


Sometimes the stage looks like this. Giants in life running, jumping, shooting and rebounding... bringing a roomful of people out of their seats and on their feet with their sheer wizardry and skills. Dramatic blocked shots, thunderous dunks, and buzzer beating three points shots are the center of attention on these stages.


Sometimes the stage looks like this. The theatrics of muscle bound wrestlers playing out modern day drama plays happen here. The sweet science of boxing and the newly popular melding of mixed martial arts into ultimate fighting take place in the squared circle.

The ironic part of it all is that although my career relies on stages, I would rather not be on stage. I can build a stage and book the entertainment to be on it. I can advertise the shows, and sell the tickets for people to come and watch them. I can park their cars when they arrive, and feed them their favorite snacks. I can keep them safe and comfortable. About the only thing I can't do is entertain them. The stages in my life are for others to occupy. Being behind the scenes is fine for me... thank you very much.