Tuesday, 19 February 2008 - One more day

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for one more day.

One day at a time.

That's how the man on the PBS documentary describes how he lives while he endures tri-weekly dialysis and prays for a kidney transplant. He says that after he receives the transplant, he will finally be able to plan his life beyond the current day. He is in his early 40s.

That's how an acquaintance who suffers from severe osteoarthritis says she lives. She just learned that her right shoulder joint has deteriorated further, matching her left. More shoulder and back surgery is inevitable. Still, she insists on doing as much as she can by herself. As long as she paces herself and rests frequently, she can still do light house and gardening chores, bake cookies for her grandchildren and run errands. She is 62 years old.

And now, that's how S's colleague, George, lives as the cancer advances, the pain intensifies and organ failure begins. We learn that he has less than two weeks to live. George calls S and tells him that he's nearing the end. S tells me that George doesn't sound badly - must be the morphine. S will visit him tomorrow, to say a final good-bye. Of course, I am saddened by the news. George is a true Renaissance man - engineer, musician, inventor, athlete, and all around good guy. He is only 68 years old.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.