In rehab after my first stroke, one of the therapists asked me
which one of my lost faculties I'd want to be restored if
there could be only one.

“The ability to swallow.” (That really surprised her!)

“Oh! I expected you to say 'the ability to walk!'”

(Fourteen years later, the ability to swallow is still my preference, by the way.)

Since then, several other losses and a few intentional sacrifices —
and their costs or penalties — have come-in for thoughtful appraisal.

For example — ever since 1948, one favorite ambition has been to hunt
in Africa and India. Several professional hunters and booking agents have
offered me complimentary safaris in Africa, and friends in India (and Australia
too!) have invited me over as their honored guest. But I couldn't afford the air
fare — had to forgo all those opportunities in favor of feeding, clothing, and
educating two daughters and a son — priorities, you know.

And I'd do the same today! Yes, I envy friends who've been able to do what I've
wanted so badly to do, but there's not even a smidge of a tendency to begrudge
them or to criticize their choices. And in keeping with the classic principles of
"different strokes for different folks” and "your mileage may vary," I don't feel
any compulsion to justify or to defend my stance against homo selachii opposition.