Re-Juvenated by Kilting

[cessna152towser]

I definitely identified with the Original Poster in this thread:-
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/k...x.html?t=47369
Not wanting to hi-jack the excellent thread, I'll tell my own story here in a new thread.
Less than ten years ago I was a fifty year old town hall manager who only occasionally wore the kilt as costume for a special event. I was working long hours, and caring for a disabled wife and when I did get some free time I would binge drink, in short I was what you may call burnt out.
One day I tore leg ligaments when I misplaced my foot on a step. There was pressure to not miss work so I agreed to come in if I could wear the kilt and be driven to and from work, as it would have been physically impossible to don trousers or to drive.
The kilt was so well received by staff and public that I began to regain some self esteem and resolved to quit the booze. After my leg healed I continued to wear the kilt to work one or two days per week. The following year the organisation downsized and gave me an early retirement deal and I finally quit the booze. I set up my own law consultancy practice which I ran successfully for five years until I quit last October while the business was still marginally profitable. During that five years I fulfilled a long held ambition to obtain my Private Pilot's Licence, to which I then added an IMC rating to enable me to fly in cloud. I also became a regular kilt wearer, re-discovered my teenage libido once I realised how the kilt attracted young women, and people began telling me I looked twenty years younger. I became actively involved in a Housing Association, an aviation museum and a sports initiative, all of which are charities and to all of which I often wear the kilt. Through wearing the kilt and joining xmarksthescot I have made many new friends.
I am now re-training for a new career and hope to qualify as a bus driver in a few months time, at last in my life there is a real prospect I might actually get paid to do something I would enjoy doing.
Dear Ann needs me to look after her, and as long as she is spared I will be here and be loyal for her, but being realistic I need to accept that she is unlikely to be around in the longer term. Instead of foreseeing only loneliness or death in the future, I am now more optimistic that when the need arises I will have the confidence to go out and establish a new relationship and hopefully sire that long-awaited next generation of my family and then live long enough to see them grow and make their own way in the world. I do already have one adult daughter from a previous relationship in my mis-spent youth, sadly I never had the opportunity to be involved in her upbringing and now she suffers from bi-polar disorder and lives a lonely and reclusive life. I have not seen her for five years but we do keep in contact by occasional e-mail and I like to think that by telling her of all the good things which I have managed to do since life began for me at fifty, she will be inspired to go on and have optimism that she may achieve better times.

[pdcorlis]

I deeply admire your candor and your journey - thank you for your story and for your friendship here at XMarks!

Is this a great place or what?

[The Barry]

I find boiled-down personal stories like this quite fascinating. Good on you for remaining loyal while chasing your dreams!

[KFCarter]

Thank you for your post. I can relate a bit. I have a son born to me when I was far too young... rarely hear from him and see him less. I really admire your optimism and your positive approach and hope for nothing but the best for you and yours in this next chapter of your journey. More power to you!

[wyldathart]

What an incredible story. Makes me think that I've got it good compared to how others have had it. And it makes me appreciate what I do have. Thanks for the inspiration Rock on !!

[McNulty]

Your story makes my lifes' story and problems seem trivial. I admire you for your straightforwardness, guts, and determination. I hope for all the best for you AND your family in the future.
Nulty

[McFarkus]

Yours is a very moving story. It's amazing how the kilt played such a central role.

[bchunter]

Kind sir, I truly admire and respect you for what you are, for your spirit, and for your courage to make a better life for yourself and those around you. Thank you for the ministry of your words and actions.

[BEEDEE]

Alex, I've enjoyed your posts ever since I joind XMTS and admire your guts and determination. Many other people would not endure what you have with your job and looking after Ann. In my book, you are one who we should all look up to as an inspiration for our own lives.

Best,

Brian

[piperdbh]

Alex,
I admire your willingness to share your very personal story, and for your determination to make the best out of the hard knocks you've had.
My grandfather died at 59 from several cancers and a brain hemorrhage. Until then, my grandmother's life had revolved around taking care of him and raising 10 children. When that chapter of her life closed, she moved to a different state, worked for a small college, met many "important" people, traveled to several other countries, hosted many, many people from some of those countries in her home, and was loved and respected by her family and friends. When she died at 87, the closest count of attendees at her funeral was over 300, with many of those people coming from other countries and several US states, and all told stories about her generosity and how she had helped them through their own hard times.
I'm not trying to hijack your thread; this is meant to encourage you (and others) who are currently in "a dark time," and to remind us all that life is what one makes of it.

By the way, when the time comes for your next nuptial event, let me know. I'll make you a new pair of hose for the wedding.