“The
Fragility of Life”
By
Mike Pyatt
With the continued uncertainty of our economy,
the volatility of world money markets, that rise one day mercurially, only to
plummet precipitously the next day, and with our liberties further eroded by an
ever intrusive federal government, we are jarred into reality when we suddenly
realize that the only thing more fragile than the economic roller coaster we’re
on, is life itself. One day we are the picture of health, the next day, a victim
of stroke, a heart attack, or worse.
Many maturing adults have opined, had they
any idea of living so long, they would have certainly taken better care of
themselves. Of course, we were all “bullet proof” in our youthful days, and
most of us rebuffed advise on a healthy lifestyle and pursued our own
recalcitrant ways. Then reality showed up one day.
Other than one’s spiritual destiny,
nothing is more important, or precarious, than one’s health. It may be the
ravages of cancer that lurked beneath the surface, undetected for many years finally
to rear its ugly head in the life of an apparently healthy, vibrant fifty year
old teacher. Months later his family and friends mourn and weep over his
lifeless body.
Accidentally pinned against the wall of a
garage by a car driven by her best friend, a young teenager’s mangled leg is
ultimately lost to a surgeon’s knife after three traumatic, painful surgeries.
The human spirit is nearly indomitable. Yet, a chronic and protracted illness
can reduce a once strong soul into an unrecognizable “hull” of a former “mighty
vessel.”
Some health conditions are, sadly, self-imposed.
Alcoholics, drug addicts, morbid obesity, after years of over indulgence at the
table, and the majority those who contracted HIV/Aids did so after a risky
lifestyle of “casual sex” and behaviors that have grave consequences. Since the
first “warning label” in 1965 on cigarette packs, when Congress passed the
Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, hundreds of thousands have succumbed to
lung cancer, COPD, emphysema, and other cardio pulmonary diseases associated
largely with smoking. The FDA has resorted to more grisly, onerous labeling
tactics--showing the top-half of a cadaver after surgery--to stem the tide of
cigarette smoking-especially to keep “smoke free kids.” Another “scared stiff”
program gone awry.
The Psalmist captured the brevity of our
life, “Man’s life is as a breath, his days are like a fleeting shadow.” Forty
years ago it was a verse. At three-score and eight, it’s now reality for yours
truly. Though fraught with job related perilous risks, 19 firefighting “hot
shots” their families and loved ones, anticipated their return after fighting a
wind-blown monster blaze in Yarnell, Arizona. They all perished. Life turned
tragic for them. A costly exchange--their lives for others. Sandy Hook,Texas
fertilizer explosion--ad nauseam.
Ben Franklin once quipped, “God heals and
the doctor takes the fee.” We prate of our health, yet we are at times much too
cavalier about it. Gathered at a local tea house one noon, one of the Red Hat
Society ladies informed the other attendees that “she just couldn’t wait to go
be with the Lord,” a phrase that another member thought had become hackneyed.
After a pause in the conversation, she advised the lady, “If you are in such a
hurry to be with the Lord, I suggest the next time you are beset with an illness,
do not bother to call the doctor!” Most of us are the grateful benefactors of
advanced medical technology with a focus on preventative medicine. However, not
all healing comes at the hand of a physician. There is a perfidious side to
absolute reliance on medicine.
For those who have passed, we
personally have no sway over the grave. However, we can honor their memory.
Alas, for the survivors of a malady, accident, self-inflicted act, or those who
carry the burden of a congenital disease, we are able to offer a fervent
prayer, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement fitly spoken as a balm to
hasten the healing process. We may be a conduit to that process if we choose.
They don’t need our pity. Therefore, let’s
guard our lips and hold our tongues, refraining from uttering, “That poor soul.”
We don’t know that. Maybe beleaguered, but not beaten. This writer watched a
neighbor, who has a chronic, debilitating and painful illness, wage war against
it with dignity, grace and tenacity. Once near death, he continues, though
fragile, with support from his wife, family, and legions of prayer cells, to
keep going. Amazing? Miraculous? Is it worth it? Most of us think so. Given the
precarious nature of “fragility” and its unpredictability, it may not be a bad
idea to plan ahead for eternity. No time for what Robert Nisbet warned of as “easy
religion, psychiatrist’s office, and cults.” What do you think?
Mike
Pyatt is a resident of Glenrock, WY. His email is roderickstj@yahoo.com
