Story Library

Prevent or Treat?

Backstory

As they sought to save us from the ravages of Covid 19, modern medicine invested in treating the disease. That’s what you do. I keep wondering how we could have done better. Then I learned about preventive medicine and a light went off.

Prevent or Treat?

Take responsibility for your body! It’s today’s message from the medical community. Rather than waiting until something happens and then treating it, the idea is to make changes that will prevent illness or disease. The concept is changing the future for today’s young people. And folks of every age can benefit from it.

For the last hundred years, doctors have had the responsibility of treating the sick. Today, they’re trying to work with their patients to prevent them from getting sick in the first place. What a concept!

Now, as never before, we have so much information on staying healthy that we cannot ignore the facts. Admit it, we know what should be done. We just don’t want to get out there and do it. But we all have to start making the right choices.

Educate yourself of the ways to diet and exercise. Smoking, drinking and stress all affect your health. Make the necessary corrections to improve your choices. Recognize that so much of declining health is not given to you, you give it to yourself by the way you eat, think, smoke, or sit still.

Decide today not to be a victim. Start practicing preventive medicine rather than seeking remedies later. Take responsibility for your own health and well-being. It could pay off for more good days with those you love.

P.S.

As we reset into post-pandemic mode, let’s create the mind-set of prevention rather than treatment with a whole new set of personal health standards.

[Show #545]

Haves and Have Nots

Backstory

In these months of constantly present hidden threat, optimism tends to wane, along with thankfulness. Reflecting on our state reminded me of an earlier time, when Americans were left without jobs and without income. This story is about that time for my family and what we learned.

Haves and Have Nots

“Be thankful for what you have, not for what you don’t have.” I first heard that mantra back in the 70’s. Be thankful for what you have, not for what you don’t have.

At the time, we were living in our first house. It was a nice three-bedroom split level in a residential development. But somehow after a few years, the house seemed small. We needed more garage space, more bedrooms. I wanted bigger, better.

Then the recession hit. Security became very wobbly. The things I had assumed I deserved and would always be mine were being challenged. I might not have a job. My husband might not. Oh boy, how I wish I had those hundreds of dollars we spent on last year’s vacation.

Suddenly I looked around my beautiful, perfect, plentiful home and said, “Please God – Just let us keep up the payments. Let us keep this roof over the heads of our children.”

Well, we did survive. The whole country did. Things turned around and we did eventually move on. But I never forgot the lesson I learned then. It may help you too.

Be thankful for what you have, not for what you don’t have.

P.S.

While sheltering in place during the pandemic, we have been thankful for thoughtful outreach, small and large. A team of walkers have a favorite route through our community. We sometimes glimpse them at wave distance. One day as they jogged through, they left candy and hand-written notes of blessing on porches. Gestures like that, especially from strangers, really make a difference. They remind us of the joy, friendship and kindness waiting on the other side.

[Show #108]

Acknowledge Inspiration

Backstory

The day started off badly. The weather was awful. People arrived at the lecture site cold and wet and cranky. No one expected the result to be the inspiration that was created.

Acknowledge Inspiration

Recently I mentioned talking with folks at Bayse Library on Bridges to Life Planning. The session was very participative and toward the very end one woman had a confession to make.

She told us she almost hadn’t come out that morning. It was a dank and dreary day; like her life at that point, she told us. She was having a hard time. She said, “I really think it was divine inspiration that brought me here today. After hearing what you all had to say, I know I can make it.” We all saw her countenance change right before us.

That lady was indeed determined to make a go of it, and it was like she got the incentive from the energy in that room. Wow, what a gift she gave to us all! To let us know that our thoughts and ideas made an impact that one person’s life might now be better because we had gathered to share.

She gave us another lesson too. When someone inspires you, let them know. Say out loud what you’re feeling in your heart. There can be no greater gift than the compliment that is spoken not just thought.

Bless the giver and the receiver both, as that woman did on a rainy Saturday morning in Bayse, Virginia.

P.S.

As a young wife and mother, I was frequently inspired by Millie. She was the epitome of a gracious hostess, understanding mother, dedicated wife and loyal friend. I wanted to be just like her.

Half a century later, Millie receives frequent notes from me. She has forgotten who I am, but my notes are always full of my admiration and appreciation. Her daughter said Millie’s eyes light up when she hears from “that nice lady out there” who thinks she is pretty special.

[Show #15]

Be Aware

Backstory

My husband’s father was a very down-to-earth working man. While he might not correct your grammar or your manners, he did have certain demands of those he loved. He wanted you to be cautious. He felt that your life could depend on it.

Be Aware – #478

My father-in-law had a favorite lesson to impress on his kids and grandkids. Always be aware of your surroundings. He taught us to do that when walking from the building to a car. Be aware of who’s around, what cars are headed your way, what looks suspicious or what or who looks like they may need help.

He taught us to anticipate risks and eliminate them. A toddler in the kitchen could find himself in peril unless the room is made safe for a teetering little person.

Today we call it situational awareness. Police try to instill it in kids to keep them safe from predators. Older people use it to address obstacles that could cause a fall. On the job, situational awareness saves lives and limbs. A piece of equipment left in the way, a machine that Is not working right, an electric cord stretched across the walkway. They are all possible accident causes. They are so often overlooked and so easily relieved by anyone who is really paying attention.

Let’s all ratchet up our situational awareness. If it’s not right, let someone know or reach out and fix it. Consider it part of that business of, doing unto others as you want others to do unto you.

P.S.

Today, social media would surely top this dad’s cautions. New dangers keep popping up with the potential for dire consequences. Some protection can be purchased and some just require good common sense. As dad would have said, “Be aware!”

[Show #478]

Believe in Love

Backstory

Have you been in love? How do you explain the feelings engendered by the very nearness of your beloved? What mixture of internal chemistry creates those flashes of ecstasy? Those were the questions pondered by this newly smitten, curious but confused scientist.

Believe in Love – #418

I believe in love, always have. I met someone several years ago who had never been in love. Oh, he loved – his nieces and nephews, his parents, and good friends. But he never felt the passion of having someone in his life who mean more to him than life itself.

And then it happened. He found her and they became soulmates. At last, he knew what it was to be in love.

He was a scientist. As he experienced these new feelings, he insisted on understanding what created them. What made him light up when she walked into the room? Why were all standards of beauty now set by her?

His true contentment came when he stopped trying to understand why and allow the feeling to just wash over him, to consume him, to be a part of his very being. He’s a changed man, now that he’s found and accepted love.

I guess I’m glad that I’m not a scientist. I don’t need to understand what makes it feel so good to be in love.

I believe in the sun, even if it isn’t shining, I believe in God even when He is silent, I believe in love even when I’m alone. And those beliefs bring me joy and contentment. I hope they do the same for you.

P.S.

It’s a pleasure to report that twelve years into his love affair, the scientist remains smitten with the woman of his dreams, who is now his wife. Happy Valentine’s Day.

[Show #418]

What Love Is About

Backstory

This is a very personal and precious memory of once upon a time. Days and months and years have passed, but my soul still smiles at how it felt just to have him in my mind.

What Love Is About – #452

Sometimes I’m just sitting and doing my work, a thousand thoughts fluttering across my brain, frantically trying to capture the ideas appropriate to the moment with a project at hand. Suddenly the memory of his smile spreads across the cluttered landscape of my mind and I have to stop and smile back.

It helps keep me from reverting to the old workaholic habits. It makes me pace myself and stop taking it all so seriously. It makes me glance at the clock to count the hours until I can see that smile in person and feel that embrace and give back and enjoy every moment of it.

I know that we will share whatever circumstances the day has caused. Physical pain, frustration, laughter, success, or just quiet contentment for another day’s work done. It makes a difference when he is near. The very air I breathe is better, sweeter, fresher, more invigorating. He is the backdrop for my daily joy in life.

So this is what love is all about. It’s all about how the other person makes you feel. Special, loved, treasured. Why didn’t someone tell me sooner!

P.S.

Is it OK to have such thoughts of someone from the past, if you now have a new love? Oh my, yes. Love always deserves to be remembered. Not flaunted, but quietly, reverently remembered and enjoyed.

[Show #452]