Thanksgiving weekend seems a most appropriate time to express my profound appreciation for all I am forever grateful. Faith, family, and friends. Without this trinity, there can be no foundation upon which to build and sustain our lives.
Belief and trust are tricky concerns. They require admitting to our vulnerability and therefore opening our human weaknesses before the world. They demand that we surrender to humility and potential indignation.
Ironically, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable is a strength. Placing faith in something or someone other than ourselves demonstrates the very fortitude of dependence. Occasional dependence on others fulfills our contribution to any meaningful relationship.
During the past five months, I have been reminded of my human vulnerability by learning that I have cancer, not an easy thing to experience. I have had to be humble enough to accept my predicament because I am not more special than any other person who acquires a life threatening or life altering condition.
Humility is not an easy virtue. But, granting others the opportunity to treat us with dignity is the greatest grace we can offer as human beings. I have been at the mercy of others who have extended me the utmost dignity, as I have experienced the cliché of entirely “losing one’s dignity.”
Placing one’s fate in the hands of our Creator seems foolhardy to some. They may see it as giving up or giving in, the antithesis of self-reliance. But yielding to the power of some entity greater than we are allows the perfect freedom from concern and worry that enables us to focus totally on the task at hand.
Turning things over permits self-determination to waken and strengthen in a serene aura of confidence and faith that is unwavering. I am ever thankful for my relationship with God in this life.
Today, putting one’s future in the hands of professionals seems a great risk also. Our skepticism, even cynicism, with respect (great pun) to the medical, legal, teaching, government, military, religious, and corporate professions seems to be the rule rather than the exception.
My encounters over the past few months with every facet of the medical profession, from surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses to physicians’ assistants, technicians and pathologists, from paraprofessionals and medical students to hospital staff and volunteers, has been nothing short of absolutely positive. I am thankful to so many friendly, compassionate, and expert human beings. I so appreciate their perseverance in all the education they avail themselves.
Indispensably, I have had the comfort of my family’s support throughout my ordeal. They scheduled then accompanied me to appointments, asked questions and took notes, helped in my decision making process, and actively shared in my first two weeks of 24/7 care. I am so grateful to all my family, immediate and extended, for their concern and prayers, thoughtfulness and presence, whether in person or via phone, gifts, cards or internet.
Most certainly, my friends have come through in helping me recuperate quickly and thoroughly these first six weeks. I am indebted to every friend I have, from one who visits or calls daily to those who fill in big time at work, to those who pray and have had others pray for me, to those who manage and write guest columns, to those who have touched base in so many meaningful ways.
I must take the reins of my own wellness. I continue to research and recover. I am committed to living and surviving. But, I cannot be well without daily acknowledgment of, gratitude for, and blessings from the trinity of faith, family and friends in my life.
Happy season of thanks, and blessings to all!