So what's it all about? Most of us are born, live any number of years, then we die. So what's it mean? Did we take someone else's place? Will someone take our place? Was it mostly fun? Was some of it too difficult or was it a breeze? Some are born sick or get sick very young. They suffer, can't get to school, cause rivers of tears from loving, helpless family, acquaintances and total strangers. Then they smile and our hearts break. Some live around a hundred years, get colds and belly aches once in a while, twist an ankle or something and moan about how difficult life is. Most of us are not perfect physical specimens, are less than brilliant, skilled at only a few things and suffer from human traits like anger, fear, criticism of others and sometimes we're just jerks. Some are victims of good things that end badly like infatuation, love, lottery disaster or scratch golf until the brain got involved. Then life goes on and some of us wonder why or what for. I'm told it's all about faith, hope and charity. If that's related to religion then I need to change the subject. I'll assume those characteristics are human, non-denominational things to hang on to. I want to think there's something to this philosophy so I can enjoy my life more and conclude that it does have some meaning. I guess that means I have hope. It's not a big deal. Anyone can hope for anything but without reasonable expectations hope might not be realistic. I might hope for a lightning bolt to hit the SOB that just cut me off on I-95 but that's not reasonable and, in some circles, might be considered ill-natured. Unless there's a religious definition of hope, I don't have to be religious to have hope.
Charity is a wonderful thing and it's good for me to be charitable. I feel good if I can share some stuff I have with others who might need and can't afford it. My parents were generous to a fault and sometimes deprived themselves to give to others. Well, that's not me but I have found that the more generous I am the luckier I seem to get. Nothing religious about that either. I just think most folks are good and will give to those in need; within limits, of course.
So that brings me to Faith and I don't know where to begin. If I work hard and try to do the right things, I have faith there's a good chance things will work out favorably. If a little kid gets sick, suffers then dies from some stupid disease we can't cure, my faith lets me think there are things that happen, can't be explained and that's part of the definition of “life”. I could hate it, try to blame the system, the lack of science, the kid's parents and nothing will change. I can only feel better if I can accept that things might happen for no good reason and have faith that in time, through lots of energy, maybe we'll find a way to prevent them from ever happening again. For those who translate “faith” to believing and trusting that God will make everything better eventually, that's great if it works for them but I believe God has other stuff to take care of like keeping the universe together and He/She gave us the tools to fix stuff ourselves.
Unfortunately I have so many more questions than answers and it doesn't look like that's gonna change too quickly I hope it will and I have faith that it could. Maybe I'll drop a couple more bucks in the basket.
Thanks for reading.
Mike
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 33,089 members. Get inside and you will see.
We're not all about ostomy. Everything is being discussed in the forums.
It's a very special community, embracing all ages and backgrounds. People are honest and truly care.
Privacy is very important - the website has many features that are only visible to members.
Create an account and you will be amazed.
Advertisement
Hollister
Your stoma doesn't have to get in the way of sampling local cuisine and activities when you're on vacation.
Check out our travel tips on diet and fitness.
Check out our travel tips on diet and fitness.
Advertisement
Hollister
Are you a caregiver for a child with an ostomy? In the summer months, this can become more challenging, thanks to heat, humidity, water activities, and travel plans.
Learn more about caring for children with an ostomy on vacation.
Learn more about caring for children with an ostomy on vacation.