My Thoughts?

It arrived unnoticed, that first inspiration

To seek the answers, or maybe the question. Like any addiction, it began slowly at first.

Then grew and grew like an insatiable thirst.

The awareness of challenges grew like cancer. The joy was immediate, when finding the answer. These games slowly became an obsession,

For sometimes the answer was really a question.

I completed a word search that gave me a shiver. Then more and more puzzles arrived in my quiver.

There were word games and jumbles and crosswords too. And plenty of numbers to find in Sudoku.

The game shows were awesome in so many ways. I loved it when catching them during the day.

From Let’s Make a Deal to The Price Is Right,

It was special back then when they aired at night.

So, Vanna and Pat, and Bob Barker too. And Alex and Regis, to name a few, Were always on air for me to see,

And I watched the games with unbridled glee.

My children did notice that Dad seemed to know, Whether pricing or solving while watching the shows. I’d yell at the screen when contestants would flinch, On a jeopardy question that seemed like a cinch.

The clues that I give on the Pyramid game,

Although from the couch, hit the mark just the same! And boy do I ever howl,

When a contestant buys an unneeded vowel.

Though not sure which game I am best at, The kids were begging me to be a contestant.

The process back then was they’d come to your town. My schedule it seemed, always let me down.

But the thought never left, at least not yet. Then suddenly, there was the Internet!

I opened my C. J. J. Irish one day,

And there was an invite for me to play!

It suggests I apply to show what I know. Improve my chances and include video.

So, I filled out the forms with the pertinent info, Then searched for something that I could show.

The video to me seemed to be a big key.

So, I pondered at length on what it should be. I knew that too long, would probably miss.

So, I told a quick story, and it sounded like this: 

Wheel Video Yoda.MOV

My kids and my wife, of course, made me feel tall. But the real question was, Will I get the phone call? Yes, the video was funny, to be clear.

But 35,000 others apply each year!

We talked about it, and it seemed surreal. While in my mind, it was a done deal.

And sure enough, in about 10 days

I was asked by the Wheel, to audition to play!

The audition was set for a Zoom on Wednesday I practiced some basics on what I should say

I was certainly nervous, as the Host took a while. But I know a good weapon is a perpetual Smile.

So that’s what she got when she came on the air I gave her smiles and energy, beyond compare! And all seemed to be going extremely well.

We seemed to connect, I hoped like hell.

But suddenly, the audition was finished.

I don’t believe we spent 5 minutes.

My disappointment was starting to brew,

As the Host was saying, “We want to thank you.”

And just when I thought I was sure I was through, She asked if I’m free on Thursday at 2.

The producers, it seems, had approved the next step. Man was I psyched, so I started to prep.

It seemed like forever for 2 to arrive. But before I knew it, I was on Zoom live.

There were 3 other people auditioning with me. We would play the game, just like on TV.

The Host was named Alex and she’s a real pro.

She’s a coach and a fan and she helped us, you know? She explained that it’s different when under the gun. And the thing to remember is to really have fun!

Six toss up questions began the audition. My strategy was to get in position.

If Participation and energy were key

My opponents would get a face full of me!

The plan paid off as I dominated the session, Making 2 great solves on the last 2 questions. That put me first in the faux interview.

I set the bar for the other 2.

The last of the audition is really rough.

4 groups of 4 puzzles that are really tough. 90 seconds to solve each 4.

When it was over, I wanted more.

But that was it. The audition concluded.

I thought I’d nailed it, but I could be deluded. Cause the answers you see; they do not share. Which leaves one hanging in the air.

A quick dismissal is all one receives.

You’ll hear in 2 weeks to 2 months she believes. If no word is given after 2 months have been,

In a year you can try to audition again.

But positivity here reigns supreme

We decided we’d know in 2 weeks it seems. And low and behold on that magic 10^th day, The wheel reached out and asked me to play!

We were watching the show as we usually do, When my email signaled there was something new. You’ve been selected to be on the show, it read.

I read it twice. Is that what it said?

I shared it with Judy, holding the phone to her eyes. The look on her face was pure surprise!

A hint of wonder, and a hint of fear.

She had an expression that I will hold dear.

3 days before, she had dealt with an issue. Of screws coming through her ankle tissue. The screws were installed many years ago,

And they were painful now, as you may know.

So, the time had come to get them out.

That’s what the pain was all about.

So, the doctor took the screws that date. And he also chose to take the plate!

With her foot bandaged like an amputee

This was not the condition she hoped she’d be.

On top of that, she’s encased in a boot. I must admit, it was really a hoot!

So how will I travel from here to there?

California’s a haul when in a wheelchair.

She knew it would be an awesome adventure. One thing for sure, there was no stopping her!

So, Mom in her Wheelchair and I, looking hip, Just settled into our California trip.

One thing about Judy, that isn’t the worst.

Because of her ankle, we both got on first!!

And help came from everywhere, out of the blue. It’s as if it was planned and like, somebody knew. Through security and boarding and deplaning too

From the Cab captain who saw us and knew what to do.

The hotel was just right and kept up momentum. They treated us special. Well never forget them. This was so important that I cannot impress, How much this helped me manage my stress.

I leave you now, on the eve of the day That will be amazing for us in every way. I am sure that you want to know my fate. So, watch Wheel of Fortune on 4-28!

The show requires an NDA,

and NO social media in any way.

And once the episode is Logged I will send you an epilog!