The older I get, the more clearly I see it. The most precious thing, outside of love, is the health of yourself and the ones you love. Money means little without it. I have done the tax returns of people that are rolling in it, thinking they're on top of the world, only to find out that they;re going through some terrible health crisis. Fame, success, pursuit of hobby and happiness, can all be overshadowed by health.
My mother had many health crises, so many that we became almost inured to them. When she was taken, it came so quickly that it took us by surprise. My father is almost 90, and we have watched him slowly decline, as he has lost most of his mobility. Earlier this week, he had an accident trying to get through a doorway on his Hoverround, and wound up scraping off a large portion of his middle finger. That finger was amputated yesterday to the first knuckle. He can barely speak or eat because of the deterioration of his esophagus. Yet he moves forward with as much grace. strength, humor and kindness as he can muster.
It is true that Americans, as a whole, don't take as good a care of themselves as they should. Nevertheless. illnesses will still occur. We all still have our genetic crosses to bear. And no one has figured out yet how to keep cells regenerating forever.
We can only pray that when anyone goes through these crises, that they have the love and support of those around them. It means so much to them. I am very shy, but I need to do more to reach out when these things happen.
But still, there is something missing in America. It breaks my heart to so people go bankrupt over medical bills. It upsets me that our efforts as friends and supporters has to go so much just to help provide the ill and their family with basic medical support, so they can have a needed surgery or cope with the mounting pile of bills. It tears me up to see so many not be able to afford insurance, or even be denied coverage if they do, or be unable to get it because they changed jobs or lost a job and have a pre-existing condition. Some of these problems are addressed by the Affordable Care Act, which some call Obamacare. Not a perfect piece of legislation by any means, but an opening point to make health care more affordable and accessible.
So hold on to to those you love. Live to the fullest and to the healthiest way you can. Give time and care to those who are facing their health issues. And stop bad-mouthing Obamacare. Please. I'm begging you.
Money DOES mean something when you don't have your health...or good health insurance. It means you can buy your medicine and care. But for those who have afflictions with no cure...you are right...money doesn't guarantee your return to a good health state. I don't think too many people truly understand Obamacare. I wish it could have been rolled out in its entirety sooner. The election will determine that outcome.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true. Our health system is geared to those able to afford. But that is getting to be fewer and fewer of us.
ReplyDeleteI think there was a decision to roll it out slowly because the initial effect may cause in increase in the deficit, although the long term deficit reduction benefits are very substantial. Regardless, I do wish it had rolled out faster. There are amy good things coming that people have failed to comprehend yet.
I look forward to the full implementation of "ObamaCare". I have rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, and am unable to treat it. I am unable to afford any kind of health insurance; paying out of pocket for doctor's expenses and medication is simply out of the question. This plan may not be perfect, but I believe it is definitely a start in the right direction.
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