Perspective

Yesterday the high in Florida was 73, you might say our weather was quite fair We even turned the air conditioner on to take the humidity out of the air. As we were enjoying this balmy day we heard some news that was displeasing. Tomorrow, the weather man said, the temperature will be freezing. As we were discussing how, in Florida, the temperature could dip so low Bryan called from Asheville to say with the wind chill is 50 below. It seems how we look at any news is always a bit subjective Depending on the context, our attitude and perspective. I remember many years ago I was nominated for a national award When I came home from vacation to find a letter from their Board. I snatched the letter once I saw it and opened it energetically And then I read not everyone can win...not everyone meaning me. As I was reading the disappointing news I noticed the light on our answering machine was on I listened to find out Phil, a dear friend, had surgery while we were gone. “They found cancer in his leg, ” Lee said (I could hear the anxiety in his wife) “They had to amputate, ” she quivered, “in order to save his life.” I dropped what I was doing and immediately took a drive To the hospital where I found Lee and a one-legged Phil glad to be alive. Gingerly I entered Phil’s room and when I got to his bedside He smiled...we talked, we laughed, and occasionally we cried. When visiting hours ended Lee stood up and wiped her tears Then tried to kiss her husband; they’d been married 60 years. But he had trouble leaning up and she was unstable on her feet So I gently pushed their heads together and allowed their lips to meet. As I took Lees arm and together we walked slowly to her car She said “Sometimes we forget in life just how fortunate we are.” We worry about so many little things as in life we try to strive But the only thing that matters today is that Phil is still alive. She smiled when we reached her car and she gave my cheek a kiss And while I watched her drive away, that award...I didn’t miss. That’s why I’m never too upset when things go wrong or the temperature is low Because I learned a lesson about perspective in that parking lot years ago.