Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Daily Survival Kit for Serious Illness
Im reading up and cleaning. Certainly not something I live for, that's for sure. But as I do so, I come across things I've saved to use "later." This is one of them...
Daily Survival Kit for Serious Illness
by Thomas L. McDermitt (1989)
a long-time cancer patient and skeptic
(You don't have to agree with all of this all of the time. But if it generally speaks to you, try to read all or parts of it every day, or have it read to you. Part of the help is in the doing, regardless of your attitude or emotions of the day. On some levels the help is gradual and often not evident)
1. Today I am going to try to live through this day only, and not dwell on or attempt to solve all my problems at once; just focus on the piece that is today. I can do something for several hours that would be difficult to even think about continuing for several months.
2. Just for today, I am willing to accept the possibility that there is a purpose to this suffering; that it can be a source of meaning and growth for myself and others, though I may not always recognize the ways. And it seems possible that this suffering will not be in vain, because of what may be some kind of existence beyond.
3. Just for today, let me remind myself that I am basically a worthwhile person, worth loving, despite my faults and limits. I deserve the efforts of others to help me through my illness.
4. Just for today, I want to be aware that it is all right to want too much from others at times. Illness brings out and intensifies the small child in all of us. And if I feel hurt when those who care for me cannot be there, it may help to remember that they have needs, frailties, and limitations of their own. A lack of response does not mean that they are personally rejecting me.
5. Today I may feeel the need to complain a great deal; I may have little tolerance; I may cry; I may scream. That does not mean that I am less courageous or strong. All are ways of expressing anger over this mess, or rightly mourning my losses. Endurance itself is courage.
6. It is my life at stake now. So maybe today I can allow myself to be a little less concerned about the reactions or impressions of others. Maybe I can allow myself to feel a little less guilty or bad about what I did not accomplish or give. Perhaps today I can be a little more gentle toward myself.
7. Surviving this is all so difficult. At times it seems impossible--that I have had evoug. Down the line I will know if and when I have had enough, when I cannot push the limits any further. I will have the right to choose to stop, without feeling that I am "giving up." But today I think I can deal with this illness. Sorrow runs very deep, but I think I can rise again.
8. Just for today , maybe I can give healiing "the benefit of the doubt." The drugs are powerful; the natureal healing capacity of my body is powerful. And who knows, perhaps there is healing power in my will to struggle, and in the collective love and will of others.
9. Just for today, perhaps I can take heart that we are all connected. And I may still have some things left to contribute to the family of man; some light to add to the light. Even now my endurance (however imperfect) is a gift, an inspiration for others in their struggles.
10. It seems reasonable that there is a season for everything, and a time for every purpose. Pain, weakness and exhaustion may distort my senses and spirit. Today, however, I can at least find some hope in nature's way, if not in some master plan. The chances are fairly good, and it seems worthwhile to hope that I will have some cycle of wellness yet.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
hello pastor lynn, in september i sent you a note and package with 250 cards of:daily survival kit for serious illness by thomas l. mcdermitt. the delivery confirmation tells me you received the package.do you think you will give them to those who might find support from tom's words? canyou share where/when you came to his card? thank you,hope. dskfsi@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHope,
ReplyDeleteI looked for your original comment and it appears I never received it, but I will look again. I apologize for not responding to your package sooner. I was waiting until I could give your letter the attention it deserved, and was hoping to actually type your letter into another blog post. If I have your permission I would still like to do that so it could be shared with others. I am amazed that you were not angry that I shared Tom's writing without permission, but instead embraced its use to help others as well as to perpetuate Tom's memory. You obviously loved him very much. I originally saw Daily Survival Kit on a card by GlaxoSmithKline but did not realize I was able to reproduce it royalty-free (thank heavens!). Although I cannot remember where I picked up the card, I'm thinking I picked it up while working at the Visiting Nurses Association of Central PA. They had a shelf with information for patients to pick up and use.
Your package was a huge surprise and I thank you very much for sending it, including the letter that told a little more about Tom's story. Although I considered keeping the supply of cards you sent for use at the church, I am currently working at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center part-time and believe the cards would be much better utilized there by the clergy staff as we all make our rounds. I'd prefer to see them in patients' hand or on their bedside tables rather than sitting dusty in a closet at church.
Again, thank your for your kindness and concern for others. You said I may use your contact information and will be glad to do so.
Hope, I am sorry for your loss of Tom. Though time helps us deal with loss, I think everyone who has lost someone they love would admit that time does not "heal" all wounds. A hole in our heart will always remain a "hole." However, I'm glad your love for Tom has allowed you to reach out to others to share his thoughts concerning coping with serious illness, and I'm sure he is glad as well. Perhaps it is not United Methodist theology per se, but I do believe our loved ones who have passed continue with us, because I believe it takes more than death to break the bonds of love.
Thank you again, so very much.
Grace and Peace to you.
Lynn