Choose a Better Life

Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned.  No matter how many precautions we take or how well we care for our bodies sometimes we just get hit with an illness for which there is no explanation.  Granted, the better we care for ourselves, the better equipped we are to deal with these surprise illness when they arise, but there are no guarantees we will never be affected.

My friend Chris is in this situation.  In 2001 he became sick with a host of strange symptoms.  The more he and his wife sought answers the more bizarre the diagnoses became.  After numerous specialists and consultations from some of the best doctors in the country, Chris and Jeanann have finally accepted the fact that there is no diagnosis; no answers.

Because of his symptoms, they are far too numerous to list here, some would say Chris is but a shell of the man he once was.  But, to the people who know him, Chris is an amazing man and a role model for everyone who has ever had a bad day.

Despite the fact that he is deaf, has lost most of the feeling across his body, is always in a great deal of pain, and shuffles when he walks, Chris doesn’t stop.  He attended just about every wrestling event his son participated in, including several in neighboring states; oversees construction projects at his home as well at the homes of friends and family; and continues to take family vacations many miles from his home.  This is not to mention the tasks of daily living: running errands, cooking and grilling, caring for the family pets, attending doctors’ appointments, etc.  With the support of his wife and kids, Chris lives life to the fullest.

Jeanann is one of my dearest friends and I often tell her that I am amazed by her husband.  Chris has especially been on my heart the past several months as I face my own health struggles.  Although my symptoms are not even in the same league as Chris’ I’ve had my share of confused and frustrated doctors, strange diagnoses, and lack of answers.  Some days it’s a struggle to even get dressed, not to mention work and maintain the house.

And to be honest, there are days of intense frustration.  I had been eating well, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough sleep … all the good things we are supposed to do for ourselves.  All of these are things I believe in whole-heartedly and know make a huge impact on my quality of life.  But, I get frustrated when I feel like I’ve taken one step forward and two steps back and I’m not getting any answers.

It is those days of frustration that I think about Chris the most and I remind myself that I have a choice.  I can choose to be frustrated and grumpy or I can choose to embrace the blessings of life and do what I can.  I also remind myself that were it not for the good care I had been taking of myself the past several years I would probably be much worse off now than I am … a testament to the value of good health.

Choose a Better Life by caring for your body in the best way possible, embracing what you can do, and living life to the fullest you are able.  May my friend Chris motivate you to look beyond your circumstances and celebrate the life you are given.