Life's Illnesses

Lately, there have been numerous occasions to think of life's illnesses. Of course, in ministry, that is a primary topic of conversation and concern which is ever present. Two parishioners have recently been diagnosed with cancer. One had been a long time in getting the diagnosis, but it was fairly obvious the diagnosis was coming. (throat cancer; a smoker). The other got a lung cancer diagnosis out of the blue. This person was not a smoker, so it seems unexpected. I also recently heard of a clergy colleague who is having chemo and radiation treatments for cancer. It almost seems that if one lives long enough, cancer is a strong possibility among the various life challenges. Dear friends and neighbors have also dealt with cancer.

Gerry has survived cancer twice. Both times surgery was the solution. It does seem simpler and quicker than chemotherapy and/or radiation. But surgery does leave its consequences, from deadened nerves to sleep impairment.

Of course, all this makes me ever aware, always wondering. When is this going to happen to me? I can only hope that it won't. [Knock on wood, cross my fingers, Hear my prayer!] When one sees the various ways that people live and die, it makes you think of what you would prefer. To me, most ailments seem preferable to Alzheimer's.

So that's what I choose. I will go gladly into the wild blue yonder, via anything but Alzheimer's!