Positive Thoughts (VERY long)

One of our most repected friend in the Men's board wrote this. I thought it could be of benefit to some of you. Alejandro from Guadalajara Mexico Life happens. Thoughts about the recent bad news....... Just some reactive thoughts, Random and skip-able, But maybe a thought in here somewhere.... Well, The Latest News on poor John out in Arizona Hit the boards this weekend. Just after asking at his support group about complications from WLS, Only to then to have the worst of possibilities strike. My Heart Broke at the news of his wife, Who just recently had her WLS, and his kids. Complications Upon Complications. An Undetected Leak, compromised immune system, flesh eating bacteria, "Air vacced" to a more equipped hospital after his 4th surgery... Only to pass hours later. He is an exceptional statistical anomaly. It made me remember another recent national news catching Medical Complication. Ex-President Clinton. Remember back when he had to go back into the hospital To have a complication from his heart surgery corrected? Still today, "News folks" just can't let an opportunity pass Without talking about how he once again - "looks under the weather." He had a statistically rare complication Resulting from a Very Common procedure. I feel sure that upon hearing of Bill Clinton's Life threatening problem, Which was a direct result of his Life Saving Heart surgery- Most, would not choose against necessary Cardiac work Because of worrying that the same thing Might happen to them. Yes? But, Faced with the comparative "handful" of cases Of people who have had their WLS "Go Bad," In the face of the Thousands of successes, Many people do in fact fret and worry needlessly That they too, might just end up being a "Statistic." Then, What if you fall into the other narrow range of folks Who have had statistically rare complications, And yet make it through to success? Here on the Men's Board alone, There's EC, Larry, Glenn, John Meazell, Even the most recent- "Jim P's Weekend Pass to 'Intubation Hell!" I fall into that "Happy few." I, (granted, for a short while) was in the- "We don't think he's going to make it, odds are he won't"-Group. (profile) But coming out on "The Other Side?" It's been a life affirming, transformational Thrill. Like jumping off the cliff, and Then finding out You have wings! I've read the fears and anxieties, And they are completely natural and sane, From so many here of late. And I think it is best to keep an idea in mind- We are all out here rowing in this river of Life. Some of us start with better boats. Some of us have been able to find or buy better oars. But we are all rowing, the best we can. Some of us have found better trainers/coaches. Some of us have more motivation to succeed. But we all seem to have the same end in site. Some of us will race ahead against all odds. Some of us will lag behind. But Most All will "Get There." Yes, Some Will hit the rocks, And some of those will perish, but Some of Those, Yes, Even Some of those on the rocks, Will pull back into the stream and float onto success. There are many on the banks Praying for those in the journey. And for those who believe in such, It helps ease the way. There are many on the banks And even some in other boats Cheering on those just beginning on there way. And, it seems, That even if the rowers don't put much stock in "Cheerleaders," Folks seem to do better when cheered on, Whether they believe in it or not. Speaking as one who has been through some rapids, And one who still prays for those few Who are still in troubled waters, My advice to those just beginning their journey- Don't let Fear of the River Keep you from seeing the splendor That lies ahead. That's awfully optimistic and positive I admit. Why have I gotten so optimistic and reflective of late? Strangely, as the result of a resent Tragedy. One of my Nephews died several months ago In a "statistically unusual" car crash. On his way home from work, A tire blew out and he crashed off of the road. No one else was involved. He was dead on arrival at the hospital. He was 27 years old, and in perfect health. Not driving too fast, not under the influence, No history of reckless driving or any tickets for speeding. This got me to thinking. We are All just statistics. The "fatalist" in me, reminds me that- ....."None of us get out of here Alive. .....It's all just a matter of time. .....It's the Doctors versus Death, and the Drs., .....In the End, ultimately will ALWAYS lose" The "optimist" in me, reminds me that- ....."Life goes on." Should that event (the car crash) keep anyone From getting in his car And heading home to family from work? No. Bad things happen to Good People. And just as sure- Good things happen to Bad People. There are those who have passed on That Deserved to Live. There are those who are alive That Deserve to Die. Those powers are not in our control. We don't control the "River." We can only do our best, To make it downstream to some Future Happy place where we spend our days Floating easily along, kissing loved ones. You may come upon RARE hard times. The odds are, you won't. If you remain Morbidly Obese, The odds are you Will Definitely hit the rocks. So don't let worry get in your way Of actively doing something about it. Spend your energy getting all of the facts- Getting the best supplies and river guide you can afford. Do all you can to make the best and safest journey you can, And still know, That you might be the exception, Not the Rule. Life happens. If you focus on "Playing not to Lose, You'll never Win." Play to Win! Life is meant to be Lived, Not Endured! Thoughts & Prayers out to, the families of those recently passed, And everyone still in the struggle. Best Wishes- Dx

That was beautiful Alejandro. How sad for that to happen to John in Arizona. I will pray for his family. Karen S.