Thursday, February 5, 2009

Photostory Friday: Fragile

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



This is Delicate Arch.


When I look at this Arch, I don't think delicate. I think fragile.

Even though it's huge, Delicate Arch conveys a sense of vulnerability -- as though it could be gone tomorrow. As though it teeters on the edge of existence.

In fact, it does.

As sturdy as you would imagine a giant, stone arch to be, by tomorrow it could be a pile of rubble. Or it could stand for thousands of more years. Arches National Park in recent years (including last summer), has lost two major arches, both of which seemed sturdier than Delicate Arch. It's all a matter of where the seismic hit comes from, and how hard the impact is.

Everything changes in an instant.




My wife has diabetes. I am relatively healthy. For almost fifteen years, I have lived with the idea that there was a good chance I would out live her. But we can see the diabetes, and she takes care of it, and so far has avoided major problems. She has stayed on top of the diabetes, because we know the dangers. We're also still young (okay, we're in our mid-thirties) and we think about life and death.

But, not really.

Then along comes cancer. Unknown. Undetected. Suddenly it's there, and it's the biggest, scariest thing in the world. I won't go into all the details again here, but I'll tell you, it rocked me to the core.

But, it looks like we've been given a second chance. We're feeling very good about where things go from here. I've come to face, and understand many things, one of which is: Life is fragile. One seismic shift changes everything. The difference between life and death is a breath.

2009 was going to be the year that I learned to put first things first. But so was 2008. Now everything is different. We've only got one shot at this.

Stop preparing to live your life, and just live it.

49 comments:

Alex @ I'm the Mom said...

*applauds*

Things can change so quickly that it's scary.

I think you guys are handling it very well. Sure, I can only go by what you are writing but you could all easily think extremely negatively about it all and think that there was no hope.

But there is and you know there is :) Big hugs Chris. Things will get better.

tommie said...

While I can't say that I have had to have to summons the courage to look at cancer, I have lived through a 15 month deployment. Suddenly those little things REALLY are little things. Whether or not your spouse makes it home alive from a warzone totally changes perspective on things.

It almost makes me wish everyone had to face something along these lines....I CANNOT listen to some moms go on and on about clothes left on the floor or toilet seats.

Gorgeous shot! Those are definitely on my top places to go and take shots.

Shannon Strong said...

What a beautiful post. I could not agree with your words more and they spoke to me! I myself have Diabetes (amongst other health ailments) and made it my new years resolution this year to enjoy every moment I get to experience...you said it so much more gracefully...
I am praying for you and your family that you enjoy everything this year, and for many years to come. God Bless and thanks for visiting my psf post. -Shannon

Pam Emmons said...

My aunt Sally and I had a conversation about this last night, and just a few minutes ago, the Sisters were here, and we had the same conversation. You just have to live in the now, but plan for the future at the same time. it's harder than it seems.

Lindsay said...

Isn't that the truth. Sometimes we just need that reminder.

Thank God for 2nd chances!

Kalei said...

* I love your picture, I love Arches-we traveled through their on our move across country and snuck in to sleep in the car at a parking lot there....then went to Gorges and Zion, and.....We have some great pictures from there, also.
*I am sorry about the Cancer. I always say this to my friends. You could have Cancer, or you can have something else that holds you back, but you could also get hit by a bus tomorrow. Live Life without wishing you had lived life.

Indrani said...

Do take care, Chris. Every moment is precious and I wish you and your wife the best in the coming years.

You have churned out such a touching post from the picture.

tiarastantrums said...

your final words are very true . . I will add your family to my prayers

scrappysue said...

as dr phil says - 'there is no dress rehearsal for life'. hugs to you both. you seem strong enough to handle anything that comes your way

Cecily R said...

Plain and simple, what you said and how you said it made me smile. Probably not exactly what you intended, but it did. Your view of life just amazes me.

Jill @ Sneaky Momma said...

What a thought-provoking post. We lost my grandmother this week. She was a healthy 75 year old who simply did not wake up Saturday morning. We have gotten a quite a reminder of how fragile life really is.
I love the photo of the arch. :)

Jill @ Sneaky Momma said...

Chris, I just ran through your story of the past week. I wanted you to know that your family is in my prayers.

Corey~living and loving said...

YOu and your family are in my prayers.

Maggie May said...

That was a wonderful post.
I agree with all you say.
My husband has been fighting cancer for 6 years now. Sometimes it seems to take over our lives.
I like your analogy of the fragile arch being at the mercy of the next seismic shock.
May you enjoy your second chance and both have many, many years of good life ahead of you.

latree said...

I'm always amazed by people's abilities to make analog on things. you did great. I pray for you and your wife's health

TuTu's Bliss said...

Amazing photo paired with a moving post. I'm impressed. I have gotten the hang of photographing my children but landscapes still trip me up. I wish I had just a dash of your talent.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful picture and analogy. I applaud your sense and your courage. My thoughts and energy are with you both.

JP has had diabetes for the past twenty years and we are keeping most of the nasties at bay. He feels well and continues to enjoy life. I am 74 and fit and well and know that I could be as near to the end as Sneakymom's grandma, and believe me, I make the most of every day...and day by day.

Huge Hugs

Mom24 said...

I'm so sorry that you got that awakening. However, I do know it can also be a gift. I hope you have a very, very long time to enjoy that second chance.

tammi said...

Beautiful picture ~ and very fitting with your thoughts and surroundings right now. I'm so glad to hear the prognosis is positive and that you're excited about your future together.

Will keep you in my prayers.

PS. Arches National Park is one of my parents' favourites ~ they visit every other year or so. They'll be sad to hear another arch is gone.

Emily said...

So inspiring. Thanks.

Straight to Your Hart said...

Thank you for putting it so well.

I pray for peace to "Be still your Soul." That Joy may surround you. And that the veils of heaven will gently hold you.

It's hard to write this, while tears pooling..May the Lord be with you and your family...Hugs

Cupcake Dessert said...

those pics are amazing.. we are praying!!

Kelly Deneen Raymond said...

Beautiful pictures and wonderful post! You are so right that we all need to stop waiting and live our lives to the fullest. I think about you and your wife often.

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

I agree 100%! And I very much like your wise words! You truly are a very enlightening person and I am grateful to have met you.

2009 will be your family's year. I can feel it.

My word verification is "proto". See, dull! I wonder if that's a word, I'm going to look it up. Be right back!

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

Alright, so Proto really is a word, but what about this one; "pulingi"?

Come on, who makes this stuff up? LOL!

Have a great weekend!

Cajoh said...

Great Post. So glad you can "roll with the punches". Yes, everything has its breaking point— but we are not made of stone but of flesh and blood. We are flexible in how we live our lives. Hearing your post shows me that you get that as well.

Good luck with dealing with this latest shock wave.

Steph said...

I'm praying for you guys...
We all need a reminder now and then to really live. That's what we are here for after all, right?
I hope you and your family is doing alright...
xo

Anonymous said...

Well put, my friend! We have had to deal with both of those in various ways with my family and it really does change life's perspective.

Thank you for that reminder and I am glad that y'all got the 2nd chance! :) Sounds like y'all are survivors!

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Things can change oh, so quickly and it is scary. Thank you for the reminder to live for today.

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Oh Chris, please know strength and prayers are your way. You amaze me with your wisdom. Perspective is truly a funny, powerful thing.

And that picture could NOT have echoed your sentiments more if you tried.

I promise, this too, shall and will pass.

Aly @ Lip Zip said...

Very well said. The photo is a brilliant choice.

Unknown said...

Ahhhh. That was wonderful--the picture the story. Thank you for the reminder.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Such a well written post and you analogy is perfect. I will have to back track and read a little more. Life does have a strange way of throwing us curve balls, huh? Wishing you all the best. May you live life to its fullest.

Susie said...

Here Here!! Well said Chris. You did NOT disappoint on this post as usual.
You reminded me of a saying: if you aren't busy living then you're busy dying. I'm living right now! A scary trip to the ER this week told me to quit the self-pity and get busy with the gratitude.

Life is fragile, and so worth the extra protection of truly living it.

You rock! I love how you help people and make 'em think and remind them of the good stuff. Well, you help me anyway! Have a great weekend!!!!!

Anonymous said...

:) just a smile and warm thoughts. Please take care.

CC said...

Wow. Wow. Wow. Don't even know what to say. Hugs and prayers to your whole family right now.



(and I am happy to say that I saw Delicate Arch--I lived through semi-heat-stroke and made it to the arch good thing cuz I'll never have another chance....)

kayerj said...

inspirational, story and pictures.

I've been to delicate arch and was taken aback by how massive it is. There is that giant massive rock formation hanging on to the edge of the precipice. Defies logic and understanding. Sometimes that's how life is.

I've also been through farmington many times

Thanks for stopping by my page

Jenners said...

What a beautiful post and a beautiful reminder about what is truly important in life.

And may I express my sympathies at what you are going through. I can't even imagine. There but for the grace of God go I.

I'll say a prayer for you and your family.

Cathy said...

I don't think we ever realize how fragile life is until we stare death in the face. I wish you both continued health and happiness.

Liz {Learning To Juggle} said...

What a beautiful post. I guess I haven't visited in a while...I had no idea.

You and your family will be in my prayers.

Working Mum said...

Thought provoking post, beautifully illustrated. I agree entirely with your sentiments.

Anonymous said...

Rock on! Thank you for sharing your beautiful family and photos and attitude.

Terri said...

Chris, I'm getting so much out of your posts. Seeing you walk through this challenge with such awareness and care is inspiring. I went through my own cancer challenge 8 years ago and it definitely does make you sit up and notice! I'm sending you and your family light every day.

Jen said...

I love that advice!

Unknown said...

Cancer has a way of rocking your world. I have been in remission for almost three years now and hope for a good outcome for us. :)

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Kelli @ writing the waves said...

Well said. I'm sorry that your family is having to face this challenge. I can't even imagine how hard it must be. Your post is a great reminder that each day we have is a gift. Thank you for sharing.

Holly said...

That last sentence ... oh thank you. Blessings to you, your wife and family. Your pictures are gorgeous!

sunshinesls said...

I am sooooooooooo with you here! Never take a moment for granted!!! Just do it.....