A meditation on the fact of illness

June 15, 2009 at 1:25 pm · Filed under Online Retreat, The 5 thoughts for all

Last week I got a call from a former colleague. She is a retiree and while she was at my company, we would just gab on all day about all kinds of things but mostly sports. Therefore, I was happy to hear from her when she called. As we caught up, I asked if she had heard about a mutual colleague whose illness had become worse and now was on permanent disability.

She told me that another friend from work told her about it and that she and this sick colleague were actually close friends. However, since her illness she had been too afraid to call or go by and see her. I told her that she needed to go by and see her because there is no way of knowing how much time she has left. “Don’t say that!” was her response. She went on to tell me about another mutual friend who had been sick and near death. Upon seeing him, she became so overwhelmed she nearly fainted.  

I told her I could understand her fear of illness. After all, these were her contemporaries. Their miserable plight was a constant reminder of what she would inevitably face one day. I told her that no matter what I said about our mutual friend it was a fact that we did not know how much time she had. My words would not make it so or not so.

I encouraged her to go see her friend and be with her in her time of need. Illness is a fearful event, but it does not have to be.  As you go throughout the week, contemplate this reality of illness. If you can truly come to terms with it, you will discover a deep sense of peace and happiness.

May you be well, happy and peaceful.

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