Friends - Keep them close to you!

[TW]

Last night I saw a friend that I hadn't seen since last October. She's on oxygen because of COPD. Last year she didn't need it. She was telling me how good I looked, and how she was so happy to see that I no longer needed oxygen, and was well.

All I could do was smile, and thank her, because she'd gone downhill since last year, and it was beginning to show quite a bit. I was at a loss for words, and tried to downplay the miraculous change in my life. My gains seemed so unfair compared to her plight.

This morning, I saw another friend that I hadn't seen since last October. He was on oxygen. He was a vibrant man last fall. Now, he's been felled by lung cancer, and hasn't got long left. He was selling off all the little things he has at his place here in Wisconsin, and his daughter and son-in-law are helping.

His daughter said he won't make it through the summer. Once again, I was at a loss for words. How can you possibly talk about how happy you are for yourself, and carry on, when you have friends who are in the same shape as you were, a little over six months earlier?

There's a message in all this about humility. Be thankful for all the good things you have, and the fortunate things in your life. But above all, show compassion and respect for those who are less fortunate, or are debilitated. For the grace of God, we could be walking the same path.

I hope that I never forget how fortunate I was, that I met the right team of doctors to change my life like they have. May I never forget to praise God for guiding me there. May I never forget to pass on the message that you always have to have a second opinion from doctors, on any major life condition, to insure there are no mistakes made.

[brewerbruce]

I just heard from a friend of mine who I went to grade school on up with, but over the past 5 years or so have drifted apart. His son who is 27 was just diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Leukemia (ALL with Philadelphia chromosome---untreated 4 month survival estimate). He is hospitalized and going through chemo; a bone marrow transplant will be needed as well. I am just floored by this. I haven't contacted him back because I don't know what to say yet.

Appreciate what you have because it can change it a heartbeat.

[amoeba15]

Amen.

Tis why I was truly grateful for being appointed to the Disabilty Services Board so that I could have more opportunity to help the disabled and the elderly. Sooooooo many people who are in desperate need for soooo much, that my surgeries and pain are insignificant to what they are currently experiencing.

Love, compassion, charity, mercy, respect, honor, helping others by doing your best to help.. for me, is what life is about.

I enjoy trying to make a differance and being part of the solution and NOT part of the problem. I am always trying to show my respect and appreciation for God blessing me to be born.