Perspective

It’s been a week of putting things in perspective. And it’s only Wednesday.

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 went a long way toward reminding me what really matters in one's life and one's world.

Then there is the ongoing cleanup from the double flooding endured by so many financially fragile homeowners here – and in so many other places. Some of those sad people flew flags on 9/11 from gutted, stench-ridden homes. An acquaintance offered one explanation. These people have lost everything - yes - but what they’ve lost are "things". “Things” can be replaced. The people who died on 9/11 can never be replaced. The flood victims recognize that much greater sadness -- honor it and remember it -- because they are beginning their journey back.

Finally (I can only hope it's finally) -- today I opened an Email from a dear, now retired friend on the other side of the world. After his usual update on weather and his wife's garden - complete with smiley faces - came the real reason for the email. I am ill, he said simply. I have pancreatic cancer. All our plans are over. I must go to the hospital for chemotherapy.

Not just cancer -- bad enough in any form. But pancreatic cancer. One of the most deadly. Very few people survive for more than a short time. Of course I thought of Steve Jobs — but he had a rare form of pancreatic cancer, later had a liver transplant and has now said he can't run his beloved Apple any longer. There has been no update on Jobs' health ... but he's looked thinner and thinner in event appearances.

As I said at the beginning --- a week to put things in perspective. How bad is life if you are healthy and solvent, with an intact house and furniture – and someone who loves you?

So please, the next time I bitch about some inconsequential, stupid, perceived slight or annoyance or dislike – someone please hit me. Hard.

You don’t know what a charmed life you really lead, until you see what can happen when the luck runs out.