As a Clinical Oncology Nurse, I have taken care of many different patients with a variety of illnesses. One of the wealthiest patients I ever took care of said something to me one time that stuck with me and I have taken as Words of Wisdom. He said, “It doesn’t matter how much money you have, it can not prevent you from getting sick. In life, there are only 3 things that are most important: Our Health, Our Family, and Our Friends”! I have pondered that statement many times.
My daughter is now 19 years old and I don’t get to see her very often as she explores the world, her interests and what she wants to do with her life. In September, my daughter was home for two months in between her first and second gap years before she attends college. She was interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail so off we went to the Berkshires to have an adventure. We camped and hiked and had an opportunity to reconnect after she had been away in Oregon for a year. We had an amazing time and it was very special for us because her little dog Penny came too. Penny was sick at the time but navigated each day with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, she had to put to sleep in November due to her progressive symptoms and condition. Kelsey did an amazing job caring for Penny in her last months. We were grateful that we were able to have so much fun together during that time. Life is like hiking the Appalachian Trail. It is challenging, it is adventurous, it is uncertain and unpredictable but we always know that there is a beginning and an end. If we so choose, there IS Heaven here on Earth! Yes, my patients words came back to me. It is so true, our Health, Our Family and Our Friends are the Most Important in this Life!
May you each have a Blessed Holiday and Remember that we can each have a Good, Better, Best Life Through W.E.L.L.N.E.S.S.!!