The author of this short article draws a comparison with Ebenezer Scrooge who was “fortunate to get another chance in life despite a lifetime of despicable behavior towards others.” The author encourages everyone facing a neurological diagnosis to grab “a second chance to live life and enjoy its splendor and beauty, whatever that is. No pity, no remorse, just joy that every moment should and will be spent making this life a better place then we got it.”
Though this reflection was written by a gentleman who lost his wife to Lewy Body Dementia in September 2016 (and posted to the Lewy Body Dementia Association website), there is nothing LBD-specific (or even dementia-specific) in the message. And though this was written by a caregiver, the five “ponderable thoughts” apply to those with a neurological diagnosis. The first and last thoughts are religious.
Robin
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Excerpts from
The Crux of the Matter
by Alan Silberstein
Monday, January 9, 2017
So, here are a few ponderable thoughts:
First, if nothing else get spiritually centered. For me, that means be right in the Lord. I find peace and comfort in knowing that His light always shines down upon us. No matter what the situation God is in control. When the 23rd Psalms states “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…” I believe it means just that; everything I will need in this life is provided. The only thing the Lord wants me to take control of is my attitude. No matter how hard, my positive attitude is paramount. Each day brings new adventures – new highlights, new joys. The alternatives take way too much energy.
Second, learn from the past so you can plan for the future. This will allow you to live today. For example, how did raising your children prepare you for the next stage of grand parenting? Just like savings for retirement, did you learn anything from ‘a penny saved, is a penny earned’? We have a future; it is just a little unpredictable. Create a ‘bucket list’ of things you want to do. Then go do it with your family and/or significant other. Each time you check something off a new adventure starts. That is just plain excitement and happiness.
Third, take nothing for granted. You may have an awful diagnosis but let’s put it in perspective. There are things far worse, like if your spouse is near death and there is nothing other than prayer you can do to help. Open your eyes to your surroundings and see things that eluded your sight all these years. Then, relish in them.
Fourth, if you are young enough, plan for retirement and that ‘rainy day’. We are mortals and cannot predict the future, no matter how much we might like to. A proper plan today will lead to peace and security when the time comes. Believe me, it does come and not on your schedule.
Last, each day is precious. Treat it as such. We know what it is like to not know if there will be another. Each day do a random act of kindness. Despite our disease, paying it forward is healthy and makes one appreciate the glory provided to us by God.