Oh, the Aches & Pains!

When my parents would sit and visit with their guests and talk about their aches & pains, I thought, "How boring. Get a Life!"

Reflecting on a recent visit, I realized that most of our conversation was also concerning health issues. (gettin' old)

One person mentioned kidney stones which led to "My neighbour's uncle had that too..." another started on clogged arteries ..."Do you know, I just heard that my cousin's sister-in-law's mother had surgery on that very same thing..." I think I have arthritis in my left shoulder... Well, you should take calcium with glucosomine, that helped my Aunt Martha.. Oh no. You should drink this juice that only costs fifty dollars a bottle. Cures everything that ails you. etc.etc.

Further animated discussion ensued regarding good or bad cholesterol, under or overactive thyroid which could cause anything from shingles, hives, acne or high blood pressure. We covered everything from diabetis, prostate, tumors, bunions, varicose veins, glocoma to ingrown toenails. Some felt the need to fill me in on all the gory details of their latest procedures and surgeries. We also had all the answers and solutions to our inadequate medical system.
(exaggeration included)
It really seems quite funny at times, but to each person who lives with the agony of pain, waiting for test results, the fear of some serious hospital time...it's anything but comical. (and I'm the biggest wimp of them all) Pain is never a welcome visitor, but it governs our days and the extent of our activities. It's hard to be joyful or pleasant to live with or even civil, when something is hurting.

However, pain is part of life in this broken world and a reminder that our bodies are so very mortal and temporal, especially as we get older. If we never experienced pain, we would not ever want to leave this world.
My heart aches for so many of my family and friends who live with constant pain. Some are walking through, what must seem like a long, deep valley. I admire your courage and strength. Hold on tight to the shepherd's hand for He will lead us through to the other side.

How beautiful heaven will be...no hospitals, no pain, no suffering.