The world becomes a better place as gratitude is given, returned and passed on- an infinitely renewable resource. Thanks to you and your writing, we all pause and savor the miraculous exchanges we all can share, and banish our more superficial currencies of greed and fear. Thank you Bill.
Bill, Grateful as always for the thoughtfulness. I also appreciate the reflections on human dignity. I am not sure if it is a disagreement or not, but I believe you may have magnified your agency greatly during the course of this illness. Your reach in communicating profound truths to people, the many notes of shared suffering with other patients, the columns, and the articles, all speak to an important influence in the lives of others. I cannot help but think that is very definition of agency, even if we miss the days or rock climbing, riding and running.
Thoughtful and well-written words: good job keeping hydrated! Everyone faces seasons of life when assistance is needed which builds community and creates strong families (biological or beyond). If a generous or helpful friend won't allow me to give back, I remind them that sometimes it's better/ more loving to receive than to give!
Years ago our family therapist wisely remarked that the goal in life is not to be independent, but INTERdependent. So even if someone is physically or medically dependent, care can be reciprocated through time, love, presence, articles, forgiveness, expertise, conversation, prayer, humour, love...
Bill -- I treasure your updates and prioritize them above everything else on my to-do list and in my Inbox. I read them twice in order to savor their profundity and sincerity and to digest their full value. Dependent or not, your bed-ridden mind is providing comfort and joy to blessed recipients such as myself. I trust that Canada still has space for a few more Americans should we feel compelled to exit this troubled democracy come November. My brother-in-law had an ablation recently, and I hope that he does not experience a return of the AFibs which he was suffering. Peace be with you.
Thank you Bill. Your words always make me think about ordinary things in extraordinary ways. I’m reminded of my daughters words to me “you don’t have to do anything Mom”as I’m complaining about not doing anything worthwhile that day. (Maybe just reading and drinking tea)
Life I am learning is not only about accomplishments but also about being and loving. And congratulations on your Canadian citizenship. My grandfather was Canadian and I’ve thought I could have been content if he had not come South.
It is always reassuring to get an update from you, Bill. It feels like a blessing. I am sorry that you have to contend with AF on top of everything else, and I appreciate the detailed explanation. It certainly didn't interfere with the moral clarity and sharp thinking of your post. It comes from someone very much still active in the world. We have a long way to go in the U.S. to bring cultural and economic respect and support to caregiving and caregivers. I think that is partly why patients feel bad as they lose autonomy. Congrats on becoming a Canadian. After almost 40 years in the U.S., my Canadian husband finally became an American in 2020. You might be able to guess his motivation.
As always, thank you, Bill, for your insight and perspective.
It calls to mind the comment of an Episcopal bishop regarding a priest that I had admired, particularly for his pastoral care of the elderly. The bishop claimed that even on his deathbed, as other priests were visiting to minister to him, they all came away from him with the sense that he was helping them more than they helped him.
Value added is all around us when we step outside of our ego-driven perspectives.
Is there any chance that you have been celebrating Thanksgiving Day twice a year?
The world becomes a better place as gratitude is given, returned and passed on- an infinitely renewable resource. Thanks to you and your writing, we all pause and savor the miraculous exchanges we all can share, and banish our more superficial currencies of greed and fear. Thank you Bill.
Bill, Grateful as always for the thoughtfulness. I also appreciate the reflections on human dignity. I am not sure if it is a disagreement or not, but I believe you may have magnified your agency greatly during the course of this illness. Your reach in communicating profound truths to people, the many notes of shared suffering with other patients, the columns, and the articles, all speak to an important influence in the lives of others. I cannot help but think that is very definition of agency, even if we miss the days or rock climbing, riding and running.
A remarkable post, Bill. What a gift to us all. Thank you.
Thoughtful and well-written words: good job keeping hydrated! Everyone faces seasons of life when assistance is needed which builds community and creates strong families (biological or beyond). If a generous or helpful friend won't allow me to give back, I remind them that sometimes it's better/ more loving to receive than to give!
Years ago our family therapist wisely remarked that the goal in life is not to be independent, but INTERdependent. So even if someone is physically or medically dependent, care can be reciprocated through time, love, presence, articles, forgiveness, expertise, conversation, prayer, humour, love...
Bill -- I treasure your updates and prioritize them above everything else on my to-do list and in my Inbox. I read them twice in order to savor their profundity and sincerity and to digest their full value. Dependent or not, your bed-ridden mind is providing comfort and joy to blessed recipients such as myself. I trust that Canada still has space for a few more Americans should we feel compelled to exit this troubled democracy come November. My brother-in-law had an ablation recently, and I hope that he does not experience a return of the AFibs which he was suffering. Peace be with you.
Thank you Bill. Your words always make me think about ordinary things in extraordinary ways. I’m reminded of my daughters words to me “you don’t have to do anything Mom”as I’m complaining about not doing anything worthwhile that day. (Maybe just reading and drinking tea)
Life I am learning is not only about accomplishments but also about being and loving. And congratulations on your Canadian citizenship. My grandfather was Canadian and I’ve thought I could have been content if he had not come South.
It is always reassuring to get an update from you, Bill. It feels like a blessing. I am sorry that you have to contend with AF on top of everything else, and I appreciate the detailed explanation. It certainly didn't interfere with the moral clarity and sharp thinking of your post. It comes from someone very much still active in the world. We have a long way to go in the U.S. to bring cultural and economic respect and support to caregiving and caregivers. I think that is partly why patients feel bad as they lose autonomy. Congrats on becoming a Canadian. After almost 40 years in the U.S., my Canadian husband finally became an American in 2020. You might be able to guess his motivation.
As always, thank you, Bill, for your insight and perspective.
It calls to mind the comment of an Episcopal bishop regarding a priest that I had admired, particularly for his pastoral care of the elderly. The bishop claimed that even on his deathbed, as other priests were visiting to minister to him, they all came away from him with the sense that he was helping them more than they helped him.
Value added is all around us when we step outside of our ego-driven perspectives.
Is there any chance that you have been celebrating Thanksgiving Day twice a year?