The Silent Killers



Elizabeth Edwards got a lot of love in the media for her recurrence of cancer. It appears, at least on the radio news, Tony Snow will as well. Two individuals on the opposite side of the political spectrum, the same dreaded diagnosis. Some people had challenged the Edwards' on their decision to continue the campaign for the Presidency. Maybe the Edwards' are looking for sympathy, or maybe they really believe John should be the next President of the US. We cannot judge for them what they need to accomplish in their lifetimes. Tony Snow will probably be back to work as soon as he can, too. I am sure he will feel better if he is fulfilling and completing his efforts to serve the country. Both these families have young children to think about, also. Time is short anyway, but this has to put a premium on every moment. This may be an opportunity for all Americans to come together and realize when we put aside our differences we are all closely connected by the same fate. Nobody will get out of here alive. This is a great chance to pray for these public people who are facing the same thing that millions of people all around the world are facing every day. Seeing my birth mother go through the exact same thing that Elizabeth Edwards is facing makes me feel compassion and sympathy toward her and her family. Katie Couric saw her husband go through the exact same thing as Tony Snow will have to face, I hope she can put aside partisan hackery and show compassion.
They call Cancer a silent killer, but I don't think diabetes or Heart atttacks, or anyeurisms, blood clots, ALS, or Cystic Fibrosis or any other hellish disease yells out to you as it kills indiscriminately. All we can do is pray that there may be a miraculous cure, and if one does not come, pray for the people that are suffering. And that they know the Lord or come to believe that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Saviour. In some ways people with a lengthy illness are luckier than those cut down quickly by accident or mishap. They have an opportunity to get right with God, and say goodbye to loved ones. And can show true strength and courage in a situation there is little they can do anything about.
We have to have Faith. It also puts in perspective what an accomplishment all the people who live on into their seventies and eighties and beyond have done. Beaten great odds and deserve much respect. A lot of us think since the average age is what? mid seventies now, that we will make it . But every day is a gift from God and should be treated as such. You never know when your number will come up, and like that one W.W.II vet said on his secret to longevity, "Every day I change my number."