Today three years ago was a wake up call for me. It all started at my doctor’s appointment. I was getting a referral to have a bump on my head removed. While there, I found out that my blood pressure was off the charts. My doctor thought it was best that I check to Excela Hospital in Greensburg. That beautiful day turned into a horrible day as I was sitting in the emergency room awaiting word on what was wrong with me. Eventually, I found out that I was going to have to stay overnight or until my numbers became more manageable. That one night turned into four nights before I was released on the day before Easter.
Eventually I was able to see the dermatologist and get my cyst removed and before long, it disappeared. I visited the cardiologist and bought a blood pressure monitor and took a stress test. It came back good. While COVID was the beginning of the end of my employment at my then-present job, the health scare accelerated my pending exit. I’ve been able to manage my blood pressure and get my numbers down. I still drink coffee but only once or twice a day. I still drink soda, but only in moderation. I watch my sodium intake, but sometimes it’s not that easy. Do I always find the time to exercise? It’s not easy but making the effort to get in my car and drive there is more important than the numbers themselves.
Today wrapped up the Division round of contests in Toastmasters. I wasn’t sure I was going to make this one due to my schedule but I was able to catch a break and get Thursday and Friday night off so that I could attend the contest. For me, I attended three out of four competitions in the divisional round. This matches my attendance from two years ago. Last year I only attended one contest and it was the Division A contest which was held at the same venue that it was last year.
I was a part of McKeesport Toastmasters for four years, serving as club coach for an extended period of time there. I’m grateful for Faith Lutheran Church opening up its doors for us and grateful that this club was in the community for so long. I was one of the coaches that led the club to Distinguished during the 2018-2019 Toastmasters year. Thus, it was one of the last goals that I needed to achieve the highest honor in Toastmasters, the Distinguished Toastmaster award. I’m grateful for the friendships I picked up along the way as I belonged to the club.
While the church will remain open for its congregation, McKeesport Toastmasters has ended its run after more than seven decades. Today’s Division Contest was the final event sponsored by the club. The club was a pillar in the community, serving the city of McKeesport and the neighboring communities for 73 years (1951-2024).
On this bittersweet day, nevertheless, we all watched a great contest.
Stylish 🍒 