Hank got an apple bean as he calls it at school and his plan was to water it in his hand and watch it grow. Seems pretty reasonable – I was able to convince him that it needed to be in soil before he watered it. There is a fascination in spring for all of us, things begin to grow and bloom. It is a time of optimism and hope. I placed the tomatoes and zucchini plants today after hours of preparing the soil and will enjoy watching them grow and bear fruit all summer and fall. Needless to say, each year I rush those frost sensitive plants and generally get a second chance to till the soil as sub 32 weather appears when it should not. Hank loves the spring for many good reasons: swimming, playing at the park, hanging out at the lake in McCall, being with his friends and family. Actually it seems to me that kids in general have a great attitude about almost everything and are generally fearless. Check out this picture of Hank with a rather large albino boa! I wish I had let him water the seed to see if his vision could come true.
People like to ask how are you doing? Generally, I think it is heartfelt and those who ask listen and care about the answer. Recently I was asked by a good friend and searching for a unique response my answer was “doing great-better than I likely deserve”. It donned on me too late that it sounded like I was hoping for a few pats on the back, “oh you deserve whatever good things come your way” is a safe response. This was different as I had started the conversation with that query knowing my friend was facing a very serious health threat. He offered a very understated response “not all that good”. As we talked about what he was facing and the potential outcomes, it was helpful to reminisce about family and friends; fond, funny and a few painful memories; the present and how we each face and manage our inevitable conclusion. I know from my time learning at St. Luke’s that miraculous and unexpected results do happen and optimism/hope are required to fuel an attitude of defiance and perseverance. My friend has many options to consider and I know he has the best medical team on his side and an incredible network of family and friends. Join me in wishing him the very best outcome.
As I tried to put my feelings into a few words it reminded me of this line: “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” It is a poetic quote from the 1734 Alexander Pope work titled “An Essay on Man”. This idiom has stood the test of time and suggests that hopefulness endlessly renews itself.
Spend your time wisely! Mike