Читать книгу Above and Beyond - J.S. Dorian - Страница 54

“May you live all the days of your life.”

JONATHAN SWIFT

When the illness made its presence known, it was unwelcome, clearly so, yet it rudely shouldered its way into every corner of our lives. We were told that the course of the disease would be determined by our response to surgery, to drug therapy, to radiation, and that an equally important factor would be our attitude.

Whether we are seriously ill ourselves or caring for someone with cancer, AIDS, or Alzheimer’s, if we haven’t done so yet, we will have to make a highly critical choice. If we see the illness as a death sentence, then our choice is to position ourselves at death’s door, waiting fearfully and despondently for the end. With this choice we give up the opportunity to grow closer than ever with loved ones. We also forgo the process of living in the precious time remaining in our lives.

If, however, we choose to regard the illness as one of life’s most challenging chapters, rather than a death sentence, our experience and involvement can be productive and fulfilling. By embracing and treasuring the time we have together, searching for meaning and significance in each new day, we transcend illness and actively cherish the gift of life.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Would I rather spend my time fearing death or embracing life?