I just heard a story that made me grateful again.
A friend of mine called about a friend of his who's dying of cancer and has less than two years to live.
He said that, under the circumstances his friend's taking it quite well. He's a medical professional, was athletic until recently, and is also dealing with financial issues. He has a wife and children and one of his main concerns is caring for them once he passes. Very understandable that this would be important to him.
I don't know the fellow, other than what my friend shares. But when I hear stories such as this it makes me thankful for the life I have. My health, while not perfect, is good enough that I can function and take care of myself. At 83 I'm able to function physically, emotionally and have no problems making it to the office six days a week. Not because I have to. But because I want to. I enjoy life and only work because I have to, not from necessity.
One of the most important missions for me is helping others stay clean and sober and to build enriching lives. I have little patience for those who feel sorry for themselves because it serves no purpose. I was one who felt self-pity at different periods of my life. I spent 15 years incarcerated plus over a year in a mental hospital. I looked in the mirror and felt like I was a nobody who'd get nowhere in life. But one day I changed my perspective and my life totally changed. I decided I could do what I wanted in life and things have been different ever since.
I feel genuine compassion for this fellow with the cancer. Yet I know that someday we'll all join those who cross over and that we should enjoy each moment because that's what we have - this moment right now.
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