In my thoughts and my prayers...
Actually, Carl and I have made the choice, the right one, but I guess that was more my point than anything else. That I was fortunate to be in such a special relationship, and yet stupid enough to knowingly risk his future happiness by ignoring simple health issues, makes me feel very ashamed. Then I think of someone like Angelone, who faces that very situation of being alone, and fearful of a future without companionship. No one deserves that.
I guess I would really want to see us work together to do ALL we can to support one another, to reach out to our brothers and sisters who have not had the love and support of caring companions or children, to reduce the lonliness that for some accompanies the aging process. Does that make sense?
Dearest Markymark,
I am glad to hear that you have formulated a plan dealing with your health issues and based on mutual respect and interdependence. I cannot imagine anyone on site that does not wish you the very best outcome. What you have provided Carl is what so many of us have learned as the model of love, namely an
unending litany of giving of oneself. Yet, this unconditional generosity on your part has had its consequence and slight modifications must be made for you to continue.
I am so very encouraged that you have bounced right back upon further reflection, ready to meet the next set of challenges, and have mapped out a better plan for prolonging both of you guy's prospects of living more healthy. Mark, with all of your accumulated good works and grace you must possess, please remember to charish life's simplicity. Mother Teresa wrote the following simple statement as an affirmation and as encouragement:
"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it."
Mark, keep up the good fight as is your nature. I will keep both Carl and you in my thoughts and my prayers. I encourage fellow forumites to do the same.
God Bless you both,
Stimpy