What would your first wish be if a genie gave you three wishes? I’m betting most of us would ask for a large amount of money. This question has been around for a long time. Usually the first two wishes are for material goods. Then the smart people use the last wish to wish for more wishes. Human nature is so predictable. We all want more than we have even if our house is so full that we have to rent a storage unit !
Buddhists think differently. They think whatever they have is enough. I have been trying to practice breathing meditation and gratitude for what I already have. My sister being diagnosed with brain cancer and needing many chemotherapy treatments has rudely awakened me to the wonderful gifts I have already been given. You never know what you got until it’s gone! I never even thought about health as being a gift. Now I do.
My family, like every other family, has been through many hardships. We have overcome them because of family support when one of us is in crisis. Now all of us were in crisis, and we could barely support ourselves. I bounced between denial and despair without family support. You never know what you got until it is gone! Family support is a gift.
A good sense of humor and laughter diminish despair. A sense of humor and laughter were in short supply as we realized that at least in Minnesota health care is the best. In a hospital everything is fluid and frustrating. You suddenly realize that your loved one is not the only patient in the hospital! Facing this reality reawakens your sense of humor and you can laugh at yourself. You never know what you got until it’s gone! A good sense of humor and laughter dissipate frustration. You make jokes about schedules or lack of them
Faith has always been strong is my family. We believe God is good and on our side. Suddenly, we distrust God. My sister has suffered through many medical problems. THIS IS NOT FAIR! Anger makes us feel more alone. You give up praying, and you give up hope. You never know what you got until it’s gone! Then when despair is overwhelming, you again turn to prayer. Hope reappears when you realize “God works in mysterious ways.”
Gratitude is not just for around the Thanksgiving table. It is for everyday. In order to be grateful, we must take stock and appreciate what we got BEFORE it’s gone. Sharing comforting food and tears and laughter with good friends helps us do this.
Spiced Apple Pork Chops
4 boneless pork loin chops, 3/4” thick
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. apple jelly, melted
Sprinkle both sides of chops with pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper. Coat fry pan with cooking spray. Fry until chops are no longer pink in middle. Turn to make sure both sides are browned. Brush pork with melted jelly. Fry until glazed. (Do not turn again.) Serve with any sides you choose.