The Do-Over
Everybody should have one chance in his or her adult life for a do-over. One chance to go back in time to change the thread of their life.
We would receive a post card from some innocuous bureaucracy notifying us that due to the life experience we’ve amassed and the judgment we’ve acquired over the years, we’ve been assigned one do-over. The post card would give us thirty days to decide if we wanted the do-over, and what our specific do-over would consist of.
You’d make up you mind, call the 1-800 number and make an appointment. You’d report in at the appropriate time and fill out all the required forms. Next you’d wait until they called your name. Then they’d lead you further back into the building where you’d discuss your do-over in detail with a social worker who would fill out more paperwork. After this, they’d take you to the anti-recollection/time travel chamber where they’d wash away all memories acquired after the key decision and simultaneously send you back in time. When you arrived at your past, all you’d retain would be the knowledge to alter your decision. Then you’d get your opportunity to experience your do-over. Change your yes into a no or your no into a yes. Then you’d lead your life based on the results of your do-over.
Some people might choose not to take advantage of their do-over coupon. The internet site they’d refer you to would help you decide. They’d emphasize the permanent changes that could take place. If you’d ever saved a life and you went back before your lifesaving took place, the life may be forfeit. Maybe, maybe not. Only time would tell. If you went back to a time before you had children, those children may or may not ever be born. A chance you’d have to be aware of before you signed the final release form and went to the chamber.
Now, this wouldn’t work like George Bailey. You remember, the guy from Bedford Falls who got into a little trouble and wished he’d never been born. Clarence came down from Heaven and granted him his wish. The only hitch was that George had to go back in time and see the results of his lack of existence. His brother drowned and didn’t get to shoot down the enemy plane that was going to attack the unarmed troop ship. Mr. Gower put poison in the medicine bottle when he was stressed out over his son resulting in the death of the boy. He eventually became the town drunk. Mr. Martini didn’t own the restaurant. Mary was an old maid librarian. Clarence showed George that he really did have a wonderful life and that his absence would have made things much worse for the entire community. The do-over would require no knowledge of the foregone alternative. No knowledge or recollection whatsoever of the way things worked out the first time.
I think a lot of people might pass on their do-over. They’d turn in the do-over coupon with their next tax return and receive a deduction. Maybe some wise guy would figure out how to develop a black market in coupons.
Other people would think long and hard. They’d identify that single, distinct, pivotal moment if their life. Their watershed moment. They’d be willing to sacrifice the possibility of every iota of existence between this time and that point to go back and alter their history. It would have to be a pretty serious decision. No do-over for your do-over. One chance only. No additional coupons.
Would you cash in your coupon?
How far back would you go?
What would you change?
We would receive a post card from some innocuous bureaucracy notifying us that due to the life experience we’ve amassed and the judgment we’ve acquired over the years, we’ve been assigned one do-over. The post card would give us thirty days to decide if we wanted the do-over, and what our specific do-over would consist of.
You’d make up you mind, call the 1-800 number and make an appointment. You’d report in at the appropriate time and fill out all the required forms. Next you’d wait until they called your name. Then they’d lead you further back into the building where you’d discuss your do-over in detail with a social worker who would fill out more paperwork. After this, they’d take you to the anti-recollection/time travel chamber where they’d wash away all memories acquired after the key decision and simultaneously send you back in time. When you arrived at your past, all you’d retain would be the knowledge to alter your decision. Then you’d get your opportunity to experience your do-over. Change your yes into a no or your no into a yes. Then you’d lead your life based on the results of your do-over.
Some people might choose not to take advantage of their do-over coupon. The internet site they’d refer you to would help you decide. They’d emphasize the permanent changes that could take place. If you’d ever saved a life and you went back before your lifesaving took place, the life may be forfeit. Maybe, maybe not. Only time would tell. If you went back to a time before you had children, those children may or may not ever be born. A chance you’d have to be aware of before you signed the final release form and went to the chamber.
Now, this wouldn’t work like George Bailey. You remember, the guy from Bedford Falls who got into a little trouble and wished he’d never been born. Clarence came down from Heaven and granted him his wish. The only hitch was that George had to go back in time and see the results of his lack of existence. His brother drowned and didn’t get to shoot down the enemy plane that was going to attack the unarmed troop ship. Mr. Gower put poison in the medicine bottle when he was stressed out over his son resulting in the death of the boy. He eventually became the town drunk. Mr. Martini didn’t own the restaurant. Mary was an old maid librarian. Clarence showed George that he really did have a wonderful life and that his absence would have made things much worse for the entire community. The do-over would require no knowledge of the foregone alternative. No knowledge or recollection whatsoever of the way things worked out the first time.
I think a lot of people might pass on their do-over. They’d turn in the do-over coupon with their next tax return and receive a deduction. Maybe some wise guy would figure out how to develop a black market in coupons.
Other people would think long and hard. They’d identify that single, distinct, pivotal moment if their life. Their watershed moment. They’d be willing to sacrifice the possibility of every iota of existence between this time and that point to go back and alter their history. It would have to be a pretty serious decision. No do-over for your do-over. One chance only. No additional coupons.
Would you cash in your coupon?
How far back would you go?
What would you change?
posted by steve | 9:27 PM
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