My mom, age 86, is in her bed, curled up, so frail.
The oxygen machine purrs as it pumps oxygen
through the clear tube as it helps her breathe a little easier.

But each breath is so hard now. Each inhale and exhale a strained effort.
Each moment, now marked by the tick of the clock,
And another belabored breath taken.

As a newborn child, we enter this world gasping, as we take our first breaths.
Yet throughout most of our lives we take it for granted
Not even noticing, as we breathe in and out.
It is just a part of life.

You might say our lives are comprised of an unceasing
Series of breath-taking moments. They go unappreciated
So commonplace. Though we are taking breaths,
We probably would not describe most of our moments as “breath taking” though.

Our lungs do their job, our heart beats another beat.
Life goes on.

Then we reach that point where we may no longer take it for granted,
As it is now with my mom.

Think about these moments you took to read this. Think about how your body
sustained you, your lungs functioned, your heart functioned, … your whole body worked in a truly miraculous concert of activity to enable you to read this.

By now, perhaps you are aware of your breathing. Sense the feeling of your lung filling
up with air. Exhale, and savor that feeling, of breathing unassisted.

Cherish the gift that you have right now.
Live with appreciation. Spend more time living and loving
while you can. Don’t waste even one breath of this time you’ve been given.
And don’t let the small worries, keep you from appreciating life.

Breathe a little easier.

Next:  Picnic in the Living Room

Back to: Reflections on Life

Copyright: Please do not republish any of these writings without first obtaining my permission. (You may contact me by clicking on the Contact Kevin link).  All of my writings are Copyright (c) 2005 Kevin Gourley. All rights reserved.   Any reference to them should also reference the web page address as well.