To that end, were I given the choice (not that I have ever been) of being famous and young or famous and old, I would choose famous and old. It is one thing to enter a level of recognition in the latter years of your life; it is another to have been famous and then suddenly be no more than any other ordinary system. Few that have lived that route ever seem to have been able to make the transition.
(Also, another prayer request [it apparently is that kind of year]: I got word last night from The Ravishing Mrs. TB that my father in law, The Master Sergeant, has gone back into the hospital and given his condition, the decision has been to move him to hospice. He may have up to two weeks as this involves the discontinuation of dialysis. Any prayers or good thoughts would be greatly appreciated for my in-laws.)
I will add you, the Ravishing Mrs. TB and Master Sergeant to my nightly prayers.
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated, ERJ.
DeleteRequest granted TB, The Master Sergeant added into the prayer rotation. As to which choice, I'm already old but NOT famous nor infamous, thank Heaven.......... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Nylon12.
DeleteYes, being infamous is a bit different...
Prayers up. Also prayers for the caregivers both professional and family as they need support also.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael -and thank you for the additional note. Caregivers have a very hard job indeed, for which there is often scant recognition.
DeletePrayers up for the Master Sergeant. If (since) God knows your name, you'll never be forgotten. We are, all of us, eternal beings. This is the temporary we see now. It's no surprise to be forgotten in the holding tank as the turnover continues apace.
ReplyDeleteThank you STxAR.
DeleteIt is moments like these that that fictional comment of a fictional character, Yoda, come to mind: "Luminous beings we are, not this crude matter".
One of the greatest burdens, in my mind, must be the sense of needing to be famous and discovering that all of the sacrifices to get there are as straw.
I'm so sorry and will add him to my daily prayer list. But as the widow of a dialysis man that treatment is brutal on the body.
ReplyDeleteThank Anon.
DeleteHe has been on dialysis for at least five years, to my recollection. He definitely seemed to do better with it, although it really become the rhythm of his last few years, as it essentially became an all day event.
Condolences for your loss.
My prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteThanks John.
DeleteAlas, I saw this post too late but continue to offer my condolences.
ReplyDeleteI think I agree with your statement of being famous when you are old versus young. Just last night I saw an interview with Al Pacino and the whole time, I felt sad that such a great actor is now old and has numbered days left on this earth. According to what was said on the interview, he still has six movies 'in the can" yet so I suppose he might still go out at the top of his craft.
Thank you Ed.
DeleteIt is fascinating to me how many people in the latter stages of their life seem to either grasp for the renown of their youth and too often tumble into a deep decline. I have nothing but respect for those that realize that they have either peaked or reached their limits and politely bow out.