When our Motor Stops

Note: I think we will do a Blog Post #601 or Blog Post #602 give-away. I'm in need of writing today, and the subject just doesn't fit with a give-away. So we're going to postpone our celebration for a few days, if you don't mind. Thanks, dear friend!

So, my Mom had surgery for her left knee replacement yesterday. She is doing really well today - in a bit of pain (which is expected) - but she is on the road of recovery and needs to go through the steps to getting back to normal. She'll be recovering at home this time, and I'll be staying with her for a few days to assist her with whatever she needs. So far, so good.

Knee replacements. Kind of like a getting new tires put on, don't you think?

While leaving the hospital late last evening, I started thinking about how very much our bodies are like automobiles. No, I'm not the first one to make an analogy like this. But I think it's the first time I really thought about it, and actually got it. There are times in life when our bodies need a little repair work done, perhaps just some oil (medicine) or a little tune-up (minor procedure). Then there are times when we require a little more work, something pretty serious . . . like new engine. The doctors? Well, they are our mechanics. They have studied and gone to school to learn all they can about our vehicles. The nurses? They are there to assist. And us? Well, it's our job to make sure we are doing what we need to do to make our cars last, right?

Yes, the world of medicine is an amazing thing. I'm thinking so much about it today.

Partially because of my mom, and partially because of the news I received when I arrived home from the hospital.

My Aunt (my fathers sister) is ill. After having a tumor removed from her brain a couple of years ago, my aunt has never quite been the person I grew up knowing. And yesterday my cousin left a detailed voice mail on my home number to let me know what was happening with her and what the expected outcome was. To make it short, she just stopped . . . working. Her wheels are not turning, and changing her oil will not help. Adding gas will not up. She's stalled right now, and pretty soon her engine will stop entirely.

The thought breaks my heart.

Wouldn't it be easy to just "fill her up" and bring back the life we remember. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have simply replaced my own Dad's "engine" years ago, and find him walking around as good as new. Or if perhaps my Mom's knee replacement was a process as easy as changing a tire on a car?

Wouldn't life be grand, if only as simple as that? I wonder what kind of car I would be . . . I'm thinking a '57 Ford Thunderbird, like this . . .


Image copyright Ford Motor Company .

I love that car . . . cool . . . artsy . . . sleek . . . and the color . . . LOVE IT.

So I'm focused on the important things today (like, what kind of car I would be), and recalling memories far more precious than I ever realized.

Our celebration for the big 6-0-0 will come in due time, and I know you all understand.

Thinking of you all . . . and wishing you wonderful days and happy motors.