Take a look around you. We are truly blessed, each and every day! If you ever think you have it bad, that life isn’t fair, that someone else is always lucky, that you never get a break, simply look around you! We take too much for granted and might want to consider being a bit more grateful for everything we have, especially our health.

I visited a close friend yesterday in a nursing home. He has recently become a resident after discovering a few short months ago that he has a brain tumor. Now, if you want to talk about life not being fair, here we go! Ralph always has a smile on his face, a great sense of humor and simply enjoys life. He moved to Montana a few years ago to finally relax and enjoy the twilight of his years, bask in the glorious scenery and more relaxed and healthy lifestyle. He and his wonderful wife just recently moved out to Paradise Valley, outside of town along the world famous Yellowstone River.

If it was up to me, I would never visit any nursing homes or hospitals. I do not enjoy seeing the pain and suffering, the loneliness and frustration, and the perceived lack of concern for those providing care. I also do not enjoy having these memories as the last memories of an otherwise wonderful existence, memories of waiting for the clock to run down and someone standing up to announce that the game is now over! Whew!

As I sat and talked with Ralph, and he continuously searched for words and acted totally confused, the thoughts of what was just a few short weeks ago a sharp and responsive man ran through my mind. A few short months ago, he laughed about the tumor and the fact that it wouldn’t ever catch him! He felt great, acted like he has for years and talked about finally doing some traveling with his wife. Having been exposed to brain tumors, I knew it was only a matter of time!

Now, believe me, in this instance life really isn’t fair! Why does this happen to the truly wonderful people? How about passing out a few tumors to the miserable and disgusting people of the world as their just desserts? Give everyone a break and rid this planet of some of the debris! Maybe we could devise a system where everyone gets one or two wishes, gets the chance to pick who gets the next tumor! Ok, back to reality!
Watching him trying to simply get into the wheelchair so we could go outside, constantly telling me how much he needed to get out of there, trying to find the words to express himself, simply seeing how difficult the most basic behaviors had become was almost too much! Do we take things for granted? How about simply getting out of bed? Carrying a conversation? Expressing your thoughts? Simply being able to leave the house can be something that no longer is even an option!

Take the time to express thanks for everything you take for granted. Take the time to bless someone who otherwise couldn’t see you, bringing a smile to their face and happiness to their heart! Take inventory, reminding yourself of where you are at and where you are going in life! Remember, whenever you think you have it bad, simply take a quick look around you!

Michael Weinstein has worked in a retail environment for over 30 years, including 8 years in investment banking and over 20 years in management. He is also a successful soccer coach and bodybuilder, possessing a knowledge of nutrition and supplementation as well as exercise physiology.
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