Yours truly, in reflecting upon the theme of this article.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
As I write this article, it is early morning, in early August. Next month, in early September, I will turn 71. I am woefully aware that I have fallen back in writing back to people who have written to me. Lately too much time has been spent in the waiting room of doctors, going through different cardiac tests and scans, and spending too much time waiting in hospital waiting areas to have MRI’s and more involved heart scans being done.
Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is the second cousin, twice removed, at the family picnic of the priority of heart disease research. It really is. Basically because HCM only affects about one out of every 500 people, and the very specific Apical HCM affects even less people.
Regardless of the disease, getting a bad medical report is not a Sunday afternoon picnic. But if I may, here are some uplifting thoughts and perspectives that I would like to share with others.
First and foremost, give yourself the gift of time to be alone with your thoughts, in order to digest your disease. Especially if your disease is terminal. If you believe in God, do three basic things. Pray, then pray some more, then pray even more. If you do not believe in God, please consider pondering how the universe was created. Please do consider, for even a moment, that there may well be a greater Wisdom than greater the universe.
Secondly, go through your stuff. If you want Cousin Tom to have your Cross pen and pencil set, give it to him while you’re still alive. If you live near Cousin Tom, take the time to meet with him and personally hand him your precious pen and pencil set. If miles lie between the two of you, then mail it tom him, with a kind, hand-written letter.
Third, research and research and research your disease. Then research it even some more. Open your mind to new and cutting-edge healing procedures to your disease. Keep hope alive in your heart. Keep your mind open to alternative healing methods.
Fourth, talk it out with others. Do not keep your emotions all stored up. Find a support group for your specific disease. If that is not possible, please do find a support group for people with terminal illness.
Fifth, watch rerun episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, or some other silly sitcom that brings a bit of joy to your heart. Laugh. By all means laugh. Do your absolute best not to swim in the lake of “Feeling Sorry For Myself Pond.” Go through your old scrapbooks, photos, post cards and souvenirs of the places that you once visited that brought joy to your heart.
Sixth, buy a birdbath. Yes, buy a birdbath. Fill it with fresh water three times a day. Place it in a position in your yard, where you can easily see the birds splashing about, from your favorite chair in your living room. Take photos and videos of the birds drinking and playing in your birdbath. You will be amazed at how much joy a simple birdbath can bring to your heart.
Seventh, do not be afraid of hurting your doctor’s feelings. If you feel that your doctor is really not doing his or her best to treat your condition, then move on and find another doctor. But first, pray about this decision. God will guide you in this matter.
Personally, I am now on my third Cardiologist. My first Cardiologist wanted to put me under Hospice Care, right away. My second Cardiologist was pushing for me to have an artificial heart replacement. My present Cardiologist has the spirit of partnering with me. He sincerely listens to my perspective.
Eighth, write up a legal will. Get it registered with your county. Entrust a copy of it with a dearly trusted friend or loved one.
Ninth, write down your lifetime memories that you want shared with your loved ones. Or have a loved one write down your dear and cherished memories for you.
Tenth, have a loved one or close friend help you create at least one video of you talking and reminiscing about your life. If it’s possible make up a number of videos of yourself, sharing thoughts, beliefs and life memories.
Eleventh, pray, pray and pray. Then pray some more. Then pray even more. Develop a personal relationship with God. Love God with all your heart, mind and soul.
At best this is just a list that touches upon the surface of preparing to cross over to the heavenly worlds. Above all else, tell your loved ones that you love them. Forgive all those who have done you wrong. Be kind to animals. Go out one day, either driving yourself or having someone drive for you. If you can afford it, put $50.00, in five-dollar bills, in an envelope. Then, go to shopping centers, parks, and here and there, and give that money to homeless people. God will guide you how many five-dollar bills to give to each homeless person. You will be blessed, beyond your wildest dreams, for doing this.
Above all else, be immensely grateful for the time you were given to be alive upon this earth.Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.