I believe that things happen because they happen.
We weren’t put on Earth for a purpose. You’re born, you do your best, you die.
This is not a popular point of view. Every writer
and TV personality you’ve heard of disagrees, including several with a medical
degree. Yet I’m convinced that searching for an explanation is the best way to
understand natural phenomena but useless as a personal philosophy.
“I’ve got cancer!... Why me?” This is the first question every
victim asks. If you believe the universe (God for those less cool) cares about
you, everything happens for a reason, so this question has an answer.
But now the cancer victim has an extra job.
Besides confronting the disease, he must look deep inside and learn how this is
part of the plan. If he’s successful, he’ll feel better. Or she.
You’ve read essays by people who have (1) gotten
cancer, (2) reexamined their lives, and (3) achieved inner peace. I’m sure this
happens, but in my experience most of us do not find misfortune a chance for
spiritual growth.
Exhorting patients to find themselves only adds
to their burden. I especially dislike media doctors who urge victims to fight
their disease, asserting that a positive attitude aids healing. Be happy or
die.
Most cancer patients pull themselves together and
deal with immediate problems. That’s the best they can do, and it’s not
bad.
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