Problems Have Solutions
“The good news is…the bad news can be turned into good news…. when you change your attitude!”—–Robert Schuler
When we found ourselves facing the changes we needed to make, we were a bit (a lot) scared. A new way of life after a few years is not so bad, but to teach an old dog new tricks is a bit ….let’s say intimidating.
Where would I find the strength to make all the changes? Was I willing to make the changes? Do I want to make all the changes? Why am I still here in this limited condition…does this all mean the end to my entire life? How much change do I have to make? How will I support the family? Would they be better off if they did not have this “partial person” to drag around? This list is but a few of the questions that came rushing in as I began to feel the diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) take its place in my life. I felt less than whole, inadequate, and unable to control any of the situation…for one time in my life I felt I had no choice!
After the fear described above was duly recognised, came anger! This will not get me down…I’ll show everyone how to whip this thing…get out of my way I am doing the driving here …it is my life don’t mess with it! These ideas were just a few of the thins I was thinking and acting out. No wonder I was considered a pain in the tail!
Then came the good news…an attitude adjustment from the one person I would listen to…my wife. In the very strong, loving, and kind way she has of grasping the controls when all seems lost…this lady got my attention.
She helps me to understand the word WE, shows me the meaning of Loyalty, she is the highest example of Trustworthy. In short…she became the one to guide me to the reality that life is not over, there is a different way to live and enjoy life, and that it can be done when WE do it together.
In short the bad news of CHF was the begining of a stronger and deeper relationship with my Maker, my wife, and the world. The jopurney is ongoing, the struggles are still there but the truth is ….doubt and fear can be the begining of faith with the catylist of compassion and love.
This day I can move forward with the knowledge of we, the awe at the second opportunity given to me, and the walking stick of faith.