Category: Uncategorized
Why I Choose to Live Beyond 75
One day last week, I had to stop, listen and process an interview on one of the cable news stations.
I was shocked!! Why, was Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel saying he wanted to die at 75?
It was unbelievable. And I asked Hubby, “was that the same Dr. Emanuel who shows up on so many national news programs speaking as an expert on health related issues, especially, the Affordable Health Care Act.” He said, “yes, but didn’t recall the details.”
Because we both missed most of the interview, I wanted to learn more. So, I went to my IPad and googled, “why I want to die at 75 Ezekiel Emanuel.” My friend, Google, found a lengthy article featured in the September 2014 issue of The Atlantic written by Dr. Emanuel.
Why I Want To Die at 75: Ezekiel J. Emanuel, M.D.
“I am sure of my position. Doubtless, death is a loss. It deprives us of experiences and milestones, of time spent with our spouse and children. In short, it deprives us of all the things we value.
But, here is a simple truth that many of us seem to resist: living too long is also a loss. It renders many of us, if not disabled, then faltering and declining, a state that may not be worse than death but is nonetheless deprived. It robs us of our creativity and ability to contribute to work, society, the world. It transforms how people experience us, and most important, remember us. We are no longer remembered as vibrant and engaged but as feeble, ineffectual, even pathetic.”
Dr. Emanuel is a healthy 57-year-old and does not plan to end his life at 75 either by assisted-suicide or euthanasia. But, he does say, “At 75 and beyond, I will need a good reason to even visit the doctor and take any medical test or treatment, no matter how routine and painless. And that good reason is not — ‘it will prolong your life.'”
He also contends that in America we are so focused on doing things “like exercise, strict dieting, popping vitamins, etc., in an effort to cheat death and prolong life as long as possible. This has become so pervasive that it now defines a culture type – what I call the American Immortal.”
Why I Choose to Live Beyond 75
Dr. Emanuel says he only wants to live until the age of 75; and, I respect his right to make this choice. But, two years from now, if I reach the age of 75, I will continue to make healthy lifestyle choices. These choices will be made not to prolong life, but to live life to the fullest.
While physical ailments, dementia, feebleness, memory, problem solving and other health conditions, relating to the aging process, may occur; I believe, forecasting what may happen in my future, inhibits my ability to live authentically in the present moment.
Today, I am a relatively healthy, 72-year-old with several manageable chronic illnesses. In 2008, at the age of 66, I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. Dr. Emanuel contends if he were diagnosed with cancer, after the age of 60, he would refuse treatment. Again, I respect his right to make that decision. But, I chose treatment.
And, over the past six years, I have been gifted with being in the present moment when my:
- eldest grandson graduated from college
- eldest granddaughter graduated from high school;
- eldest grandson graduated from high school;
- youngest grandson, graduated from middle school; and,
- youngest granddaughter’s birth seven months after my 2008 breast cancer diagnosis.
Had I elected not to pursue treatment, I possibly would not have lived to see these major family milestones.
Additionally, beyond family milestones, I would have never witnessed the election of America’s first African-American President. Something that I never expected would happen in my lifetime.
So, if I continue to be blessed with sound mind and body, I plan on being an active participant in managing my aging process beyond age 75.
And, I will not:
- wait for death;
- refuse medical treatment; or
- accept that living a quality life ends at 75.
But, in addition to as-needed medical care, I will continue to manage my aging process by:
- Being Positive
- Practicing Forgiveness
- Staying Physical
- Embracing Family and Friends
- Loving Me
- Performing Random Acts of Kinds
- Living A Spiritual Life
- Trying New Things
- Exploring New Places
- Blogging About My Memories, Life Experiences and Random Thoughts
Rather than attempting to “cheat or prolong life” I choose to live life to the fullest until God guides me down a different path.
Gratitude Sunday – October 12, 2014
Grateful for Pain-Free Knee
Though, my right knee is bone-on-bone, I am pain-free. I completed six weeks of physical therapy on Friday; and, although, the pain may return I am grateful for having been blessed with pain-free days for three weeks.
Grateful for Physical Therapist Comment
Last week, while setting up this weight machine, for me, the physical therapist said, “you’re lifting 125 pounds, I can’t even do that.” When I asked if she was joking, she said, “I’m telling the truth.”
I am grateful that, at 72-years-old, I can push more weight on this machine than my 35-year-old physical therapist.
Wordless Wednesday – October 8, 2014
Spring – Rural Wisconsin
Photos: Thank You for Sharing, Grandma Cupcake
Reiki Touch As A Cancer Treatment Complementary Therapy
I am exploring Reiki, as an alternative therapy, to manage my Fibro and RA conditions as well as stress.
Thanks to Diane awww.breastcanceryogablog.com for sharing.
Reiki Healing for Breast Cancer
By: Diana Ross, E-RYT500 founder of Breast Cancer Yoga.
Both powerful and gentle, Reiki has aided in the healing of many illnesses, including headaches, colds, insomnia, fatigue, heart disease, broken bones and cancer. It has been shown to relieve pain, assist the body in clearing toxins from chemotherapy and radiation treatments. After even one Reiki treatment patients have expressed an increase in feeling wellness and in a quicker recovery from injuries, surgery or trauma.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese touch therapy and relaxation technique and one of the fastest growing forms of Energy Medicine. It is a complementary therapy option that promotes relaxation, decreases anxiety and discomfort. Used as an effective healing touch therapy for stress reduction and pain control. It assists patients both when in the hospital, and during their continued recovery after leaving the hospital.
It is at its simplest…
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The Death of A Friend
On Tuesday, I had cataract surgery; and, by choice, I spent all day Wednesday, in my bedroom, resting, relaxing and recovering. Around 6:00 p.m., I heard the doorbell, which was unusual as we rarely have unexpected visitors. A short time later Hubby said, “Yvonne can you come out for a minute Terri is here.”
I knew something was wrong. Terri is our next door neighbor; and, I know her only as my friend, Wanda’s, roommate. I entered the living room with a heavy heart and learned my friend, my next door neighbor and my breast cancer sister, who fought the battle for many years, had lost the fight six minutes earlier.
I am sad, but ever so grateful that Wanda was within my space for almost five years. During that time our relationship developed into a true friendship. Despite the differences, we opened our lives up to receive, accept and trust each other.
Ten days before her death, I felt blessed to act as her caregiver for five hours. During the visit, we talked continuously about any and everything. I knew it was probably our last conversation; and, I am certain she felt this as well.
I write this post to:
- address the sadness of losing Wanda, my friend;
- accept Wanda’s death understanding all things happen in accordance with God’s Plan; and
- embrace the memory of Wanda’s friendship.
As I move beyond the sadness, I know that:
“Our earthly loss is always a heavenly gain. Although, our hearts hurt and mourn in humanly pain. The fact still remains the same. That Heaven has gained more Love to sprinkle down from above.” (Antonio Talbert)
Sprinkle Down, Wanda.
Learn Natural Breath Breathing Exercise For Breast Cancer Treatment
Extremely grateful to Diane over at the breastcanceryogablog.com for the mind, body and spirit info she shares daily.
By; Diana Ross E-RYT 500 Co-Founder of Breast Cancer Yoga.
Learning breath exercises will aide in the recovery process from breast cancer. First it is important to learn to breath correctly. Breathing correctly is done by taking in air deeply through the nostrils so that the lungs expand. Second, learn to use breath exercises so that they are used as treatments for specific situations, such as stress reduction or increase energy.
Natural Breath is used for stress management because it has the most calming effect of all the breaths. This breath reduces stress and tension by turning off the sympathetic “fight or flight” autonomic response.
Positions for breathing exercises during breast cancer therapy can be done in either a seated, laying down, or even in a standing position. However, you must be in a comfortable position so that the mind stays focused. Make a conscious decision to start with…
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Wordless Wednesday – October 1, 2014
Colors of Fall – Madison, WI
Grateful to My Friend, The Librarian
for Sharing These Photos
Lost Girlfriends
Last week, I took time out to visit past memories. As I went through the photo album, three pictures touched my heart in a special way. The women in the photos crossed my path in different ways over a twenty-year period. They were my girlfriends, supporters, mentors, advisers, and so on and so forth; but, when I moved to Florida we grew apart.
I have found many new friends, through social media, as well as friends in my new community. But, I miss these women and want to rekindle our relationship. I would love to reconnect with them through this blog, emails, or Facebook; but, they quickly let me know a venture into cyberspace is not an option for them.
On Friday, I purchased stationery and envelopes from the local supply store. My intent is to reach out to them, via snail mail, and try to re-establish our friendship.
My Girlfriends
Let me introduce you and share a little about what brought us together.
North Central Service Club
In the late 1990s, while working at a medical practice, a patient’s daughter invited me to attend a meeting of the North Central Service Club. A women’s non-profit organization, in existence since the late 1960’s, their primary goal is to mentor African-American female high school students and, through various fundraising activities, grant college scholarships to graduating seniors.
Sisters4Cure
I connected with Sisters4Cure within days after my breast cancer diagnosis in 2008. They were my support group as I journeyed down the path of living with breast cancer. These women were by my side to offer support, encouragement, prayers, and compassion throughout the time we spent together. Sisters4Cure is much more than a support group. This is a non-profit organization created and sustained by dedicated women, with breast cancer, whose primary mission is to:
- support women with breast cancer; and
- reach out to African-American women in the Milwaukee area for the sole purpose of promoting breast cancer awareness.
SeasonedSistahs Book Club
These were my four Seasoned Sistahs we created SeasonedSistahs Book Club. In fact, these women held such a special place in my heart; when, I created this blog I selected the name SeasonedSistah2. This photo was taken when we attended a book signing, something we often did as a group. Our love of reading, fiction and non-fiction, books written by African-American authors brought us together. We met for more years than I can remember to discuss the book we had selected to read for the month. Over time we begin to feel more comfortable in each other’s presence; and we, expanded beyond our individual space and found the courage to share the unnecessary baggage that we carried, past and present, that prevented us from living our life to the fullest. After I moved to Florida, the three remaining members continued to meet until Rose’s health deteriorated in early 2013.
I am Grateful to all the women, in the three photos, for the positive impact they had on my life. Through my snail letters, I want to express gratitude, say thank you, and share the present with the girlfriends who were there to experience my past.
Gratitude Sunday – September 28, 2014
My Rocking Chair
Yesterday, Fed Ex delivered the cushion for my recently purchased rocking chair.
Soon lower temperatures will arrive in Florida. And, I look forward to the upcoming days of rocking in STILLNESS and QUIET as I look within for peace, love, and happiness. And, I AM GRATEFUL.
More and more, my life is expanding toward showing respect, expressing love, and performing acts of kindness to those whose path I cross. And, I AM GRATEFUL.
SeasonedSistah 