Fortunate Son  

When you think about the randomness of our birth, the statistical odds, whatever you wish to call it; our destiny, as t where we are born, I consider myself very fortunate son. Where, when and to whom I was born are thoughts I have often tried to understand, and realize what a fortunate son I am.

I was born to a young couple who had not known each other long and decided to get married. My father a young twenty something airman and high school drop out, my mother a high school graduate. They had few plans, but were in love after a brief courtship. Ten months later I was born. I grew up an Air Force brat and saw much of the United States. My parents always held jobs, and extra jobs to make ends meet. There was always love though the hardships, and we were taught high morals and ethics, and valued our lives.

I was raised with a lot of responsibility, caring for siblings, helping out, family came first. I held a paper route at age ten and gave money to the family. I did the same working through college. Whenever the family needed me, even after these many years, I respond to give them whatever they may need. My parents gave so much for me, I wish I could give back more. I was a fortunate son.

* * *

I often think about where I was born, in these United States of America. What a blessing! I could have been born is a third world nation, where poverty, disease and war reign. Where life-spans are short and freedoms often minimal. I could have been born in Asia, a whole different lifestyle for us to contemplate, even Europe would be very different. I grew up during the cold war - living in other countries would have been much harder. I do not condemn other places, each has amazing culture and history - but they are not the United States.

Here in the land of the plenty we often do not realize how easy we have things, even for those of us who think we have it so hard. Yes, there are abuses here too, but nothing like you would find other places; and here their is always hope. I have had cancer three times now, and fight to stay alive, yet in many countries I would have died the first time, with no treatment, or unable to afford medical help. I am forty-four and in some places after such a hard life, things would not be as good as I have them now, even with cancer. I am a fortunate son.

* * *

Here you are free to get an education and seek your own career. 

Here you can dream and try to make those dreams come true.

Here you have rights that are protected by the government, though it is not perfect, it is still the best there is.

Here you can have a free public education, and almost always gain access to medical help. We have shopping malls and food markets.

Here there are no limits on what you can do with your life if you choose to work towards some goal.

Here you are free to worship God as you see fit. In whatever way, or form, religion or faith. You can pray in the streets, in church, at home. You can ask God for his help, and pray to him in thanksgiving as I do both. I am a fortunate son.

October 9, 2004 ~ Faith, Healing and God