Perspective
I've had a series of, well let's call them "challenging" moments in the past few weeks. I've felt alternately overwhelmed, angry, sad and even at times, I admit, a little defeated. None of it has stopped me from moving forward. However, it's dampened my enthusiasm, and left me a bit grumpy...instead of grateful. Grateful for all I have, all I've been given and all I have yet to experience. Ever feel that way? What brought back your perspective?
In my case, it's a family I know who works hard, is kind to others and contributes to society. They work cheerfully and seemingly tirelessly to pay their bills and provide for their kids - never stopping to indulge in any "me-time". They were getting excited about their grown daughter's pregnancy. Honestly, it looked as if the baby could arrive any day but still she kept working. She finally slowed down...and then the rug was pulled out from under all of them.
All of their joy and anticipation was crushed by devastating news. Her father, the man who I see work two jobs without complaint, was diagnosed with cancer that has metastasized. His wife apologized when she broke down as she told me. I told her never to say I'm sorry for being human. It's not just healthy, but also sanity-saving to show how you feel and not stuff it inside. She explained that her devastation was mixed with anger. They'd told his doctor something was terribly wrong but their concerns kept getting dismissed. Years passed. Not wanting to rock the boat, and trusting, they just kept working. He worked through his pain, until it became debilitating.
No longer can he hold down two jobs. He is now fighting for his life. And now, to add to their burden, they've been forced to figure out a way to pay for that fight. They lost their healthcare coverage in this economic downturn. The bitter irony is because they work so hard, they didn't financially qualify for assistance. So, in addition to their pain, they've had to work through rising anger and frustration...and stave off desperation.
Fortunately, it looks like they will get some charity help to pay for his treatment. I was relieved to hear that...but remain appalled. I cannot believe our society would punish a family that embodies the American spirit of self-sufficiency by making the care he so desperately needs so hard to get. That is not a politically-charged statement meant to promote one political plan or agenda over another. I'm just venting moral outrage. The solution is not obvious or easy. But seeing what's right and wrong about this situation sure seems to be.
Now, for what may sound like religious message...again not meant to be exclusively. Just a simple plea. If you pray, please spare a thought for this deserving family. Or if you prefer to send "good vibes", please then send them their way. Right now, they need as much support and sympathy as we can give. Clearly, they are not alone. There are countless others we don't know about who are likely facing similar situations. Nobody should have to suffer doubly.
Talk about putting things into perspective. No matter what frustrations may rear their ugly heads, in most of our lives we have so much to be grateful for even though we may not see it. And we shouldn't require someone else's painful story to open our eyes to it.
