Tuesday, August 4, 2015

In the blink of an eye, your world can change.

 I have been something of a Ludite when it comes to possessing/using a smartphone.  I have finally succumbed. I have a hand me down but I still refuse to buy a data package.  It's not that I don't see the utility of it, I just see the obsession with it and I do not want to be "that person" who is constantly checking their phone, despite the fact that they have real humans all around them.

Well, last week, in the matter of one hour I got three important texts: "I am going to need radiation, they upped my staging..." "I'm taking Dad to the hospital, he has a really high fever...." "My brother's at 10 hrs in a 12 hour surgery..."   These were all immediate family members.  Number one just wanted to be alone and process the news, number two was being taken to the same hospital as number 3.  Wow. Ultimately, all is well with all three.  Another bullet dodged.

My life is no more or less stressful than anyone elses.  It's just life. My son and I were discussing the use of robots in battle.  Apparently something they are doing now, along with drones.  My response was "Fantastic' no more 18 year olds dying.  His take was different and most likely more accuratel.  "Mom, if people don't die in battle, there is no value to it.  It's the human element that makes it so effective"  Yes, son, it is the human element that makes everything of importance, important.

Life is very short; whether it's 1 yr, 30 yrs. or 85.   We only have a limited time to get our "work" done.  There's no room for hate, judging, sniping, killing, bigotry, etc.  Everyday is an opportunity to make a change, big or small.  Once you know better, you do better. The other day I was at the pool with my 4 yr old grand nephew throwing little weighted sharks in the pool for him to dive and bring back to me. After two attempts to toss (they just kept landing at my feet), he picked it up and handing it back to me said, try again....each time you try, you'll get a little better.