As most people in contact with me know, today is my birthday. I always think it will get lost in the shuffle, (I don't have any false notions about my own importance,) but just in case anyone didn't know, facebook has duly updated the world at large. And I have been overwhelmed once again by the number of people who took the time to wish me a happy birthday. It is a nice feeling to be remembered, and much appreciated.
For the record, I am 57, and happy to be here. The best gift I will ever get is another day to wake up, because it has not necessarily been a given. I had a couple of very close calls in my thirties, and I definitely should have been gone at 40. I am a testament to the fact that a young doctor is not a bad thing. (Even if he did look like he was still in high school....)
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Living the dream....
When people ask me in passing how I am doing, I usually reply,
"Living the dream."It is an off the cuff statement, meant to be more sarcastic than serious, and in line with my usual attitude that life is hard, and then you die. But today, for this day, I have been reminded that I am, indeed, living the dream, and I am grateful to be here for it.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Blessed to be a blessing is more than words....
Over the last few weeks, I have been playing piano in a small, rural church on Sunday mornings. They are lovely people, warm and welcoming, and it has been a genuine pleasure to play for them. They have been gracious in their thankfulness, and I appreciate that it comes from their heart. I am glad that I could help out in their time of need.
But, unbeknownst to them, the true gift was from them to me, and there has been a much needed lesson in this experience. I have talked often about the impact of our actions upon others, but I now see the whole thing from a slightly different angle. That small change is a quantum shift in my understanding which I will carry forward for the rest of my life.
But, unbeknownst to them, the true gift was from them to me, and there has been a much needed lesson in this experience. I have talked often about the impact of our actions upon others, but I now see the whole thing from a slightly different angle. That small change is a quantum shift in my understanding which I will carry forward for the rest of my life.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Sympathies and prayers....
Mother Nature is raging right now in the United States. Floods in Texas and Louisiana have killed dozens, and left thousands without anything other than the clothes on their backs. Another hurricane is potentially heading for the east coast, causing fear over what to do and how to prepare. Fires out west are consuming thousands of acres, also leaving people without anything to their name.
There are no words in that situation. However much I wish to console, to uplift, to encourage, each one has to walk their path and take their journey through this dark time.
So I will just wish you comfort in the trial. I offer prayers for your relief. I have donated to help supply your needs. Many people are thinking of you as you struggle to begin again. You are not alone. You are not forgotten.
With love and all best wishes from Minnesota.
There are no words in that situation. However much I wish to console, to uplift, to encourage, each one has to walk their path and take their journey through this dark time.
So I will just wish you comfort in the trial. I offer prayers for your relief. I have donated to help supply your needs. Many people are thinking of you as you struggle to begin again. You are not alone. You are not forgotten.
With love and all best wishes from Minnesota.
Friday, August 25, 2017
The Value of One....
Facebook these days is a mishmash of cartoons, political statements, advertisements for whatever you last googled, (am I the only one out here in reality world that finds that creepy?) photos of people's kids, dogs, spouses or meals, and very occasionally, a post that is truly inspiring. I read one of those posts today, written by a mom who wanted to give heartfelt thanks to someone who had made a difference in her child's life.
She is, rightfully, proud of her child, and for all the right reasons. But she also wanted to recognize the role played by her child's teachers, because she understood they were crucial to her child's success, and more importantly, to her child's sense of self-worth. She has no idea how right she is.
I have been thinking about that post all day, because it hit a chord down deep inside me. I have always been... shall we say... athletically challenged. I cannot make sense of a ball, whether it is in my hand, on the ground, in the air, or anywhere else. If I run too hard, I get exercise induced asthma and cannot breathe. I broke my foot playing soccer in elementary PE because I am a klutz. I can't dance, I can't jump without losing my balance, and I am hopeless at games of any kind. I am uncoordinated and I can't Just Do It, no matter how much I may want to, or how hard I try.
She is, rightfully, proud of her child, and for all the right reasons. But she also wanted to recognize the role played by her child's teachers, because she understood they were crucial to her child's success, and more importantly, to her child's sense of self-worth. She has no idea how right she is.
I have been thinking about that post all day, because it hit a chord down deep inside me. I have always been... shall we say... athletically challenged. I cannot make sense of a ball, whether it is in my hand, on the ground, in the air, or anywhere else. If I run too hard, I get exercise induced asthma and cannot breathe. I broke my foot playing soccer in elementary PE because I am a klutz. I can't dance, I can't jump without losing my balance, and I am hopeless at games of any kind. I am uncoordinated and I can't Just Do It, no matter how much I may want to, or how hard I try.
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