Assume

Today’s word seems to be “assume.”  I remember a guy about 40 years ago saying, “never assume.”  I don’t remember if he was addressing someone specifically or making a declaration.  Chances are though, he was taking to me.  I reckon it is great advice.
That was sort of highlighted to me as I was driving to an appointment.  A guy on a push bike shot out in front of me.  He was travelling along foot paths, but he needed to cross the road to get to the one on the other side.  It really looked to me like he assumed no cars were coming.
I was set on this course by the events of today.  I had emailed someone on Monday to ask if they wanted to have coffee together today.  I had not heard back.  I was told the next day they were going to hospital on Thursday.  I assumed at that point there goes coffee.  To my total surprise and delight I received an email from that person saying they thought they had responded, and coffee was on if I was into it.  I was glad on a couple of levels.  I enjoyed the chat together and it was great knowing he was not in hospital undergoing a procedure.
The thing is, my assumption was wrong.  The facts were different.  It showed me again how assumptions can lead to wrong actions.    It is really important I establish what is right.
Years ago, I believed an assumption that proved to be incorrect.  I held to something and when I stated it, a person questioned it.  Do you think I could find the source again?  It was not for lack of trying.  I searched high and low and never came across what I thought was the case.  I am sure I read it, but it was just one example in the midst of many that proved incorrect.  I know it is out there somewhere.  I am actually relieved, as what I thought was the case was actually a downer.
I guess in life matters, it is really important to have more than one source.  For things that matter confirmation needs to come from several directions.  That to me established something.  Great this being wise after the event.  Anyway, it is better to be wise late than never.
Regarding my brain tumour a doctor stated one thing, but I felt it was too important to base my actions on the opinion of one person even if I held them in high regard.  I went to another doctor and they confirmed it for me.  It seems to happen too often that a course of action is set upon and it turns out that it was not necessarily the right one to take. 
Some assumptions are ok.  As someone said today previous actions are the best indicator of future actions.  I am sitting here waiting for someone to turn up to table tennis.  They have previously, so there is a good chance they will again.  Others are coming for the first time, and I can only assume they will make it.  Even with the best evidence, it is still an assumption they will be here.  Anything could happen to prevent them or delay them coming.
It sounds terrible but that is a best-case scenario.  They could be out and out liars and never had any intention of being here.  But based on my previous interaction with them that would be out of character.
I feel I owe it to myself to check it out when it really is important.