Another Tender Mercy

My father had a heart attack in 1953. My mother had cancer of the colon in 1959. My father developed diabetes along with emphysema in his 60s (from smoking, probably, and had a lung removed), and my mother had a heart attack in her 60s. Their illnesses are my legacy and are very much on my mind (and on the mind of my kids as well).

This morning I had my third colonoscopy.  Even though the doctor discovered some benign polyps three years ago during the second procedure, he gratefully found nothing today. I am taking meds for my Type 1 diabetes and cholesterol in an effort to lengthen my life, and feel greatly blessed that we have great insurance that allows me to take meds and have such procedures done.  I think of all of the people in the world—even some whom I know—that cannot afford such meds and procedures, and I feel great gratitude.

I am attempting to take care of my body and mind.  They are a stewardship given to me by a loving Father.  I am appreciative of the efforts of my wife to take care of her body and mind.  She is a great example for me in that regard. 

    

I do not always do it, but almost every day I thank God for allowing me to live another day, to experience life, to enjoy my senses, to help others, to feel the love of others.  Perhaps it is because of my age (I certainly have not always felt such feelings of gratitude) or because I see others around me struggle with illnesses and accidents, but I am richly blessed. I want to live as long as I can because there is so much more to life that I want to experience through my senses, to learn and understand, to feel.

Switzerland