Gloria Ferris

Yesterday I accompanied Tim on his “complete physical” appointment with our primary doctor at MetroHealth.  Our doctor told him that he was an example of a Greek God.  All of his tests came back showing a much younger man than his actual age.  Let me say this, we didn’t really need the boost to Tim’s ego, but I for one was greatly appreciative that his health is so good. I know the girls will be pleased as well.  Those of you who have had parents or friends who take on the role of caregiver know how stressful it can be and how often that person’s health suffers.  Tim attributes a lot of it to his ability to fall asleep any time, any where, and any how.  His doctor and I think there is a bit more to it than that, but whatever works for him.

One of the questions she always asks him is how is he coping with what is going on in my life.  Yesterday, Tim told her that he was extremely worried about me because I was extremely “flat”.  In fact, he said he thought “I was “going away again”.  She turned to me and in her direct and pointed way, she asked”are you depressed?  You know, if you are that is very common and acceptable given all you have been through”.

I paused, said”no”, then hesitated. Not depressed exactly, but discouraged.  All this time, I have treated each event—the heart attack, the stroke, the stroke rehab, the cancer as one more hurdle, and here i am at the last hurdle-the cardio rehab- and I am sore, I am weak, I am so tired.  “Last hurdle, this is not the LAST hurdle this is the first hurdle, the one that begins a long journey of life.  You are beginning training to last a lifetime.  Consider it marathon training.  You train hard, then you ease off, then you go at it again, until it becomes a way of life.  Tim asks her if she is a runner.  She smiles and says “yes”.

Perspective-how important our perspective is on how we face the hurdles of life.  The first hurdle, not the last hurdle-how interesting just a simple switch of perception gives me a whole new outlook on how I see my future-not one of an invalid, but of an athlete-an athlete of life.  Thanks, Doc!  you’ve given me one more reason to love MetroHealth.