End of an era

Ted Kennedy died today. He was 77 years old. He certainly had a full and eventful life, but I am so sad to see him pass. I wanted him to see Health Care reform become a reality. He had his faults like every person, but he was so dedicated to having health care for everyone. I don't know the answer to fixing the system, but surely some action is better than no action. I had hoped Kennedy would be a rallying point for this reform. Who knows though, perhaps in death he can become a rallying point still. Let's fix the system for Teddy so that he can truly rest in peace.

Best broken birthday gift ever!

I came up with a great birthday gift this year for the husband. He began home brewing this year and is really into it and is also very good at it. I was thinking of what kind of gift I could get him and decided that something to go with his new hobby would be perfect. What better way for him to share the fruits of his labor than with his own personalized growler! I was so pleased at my own cleverness and knew he would love it. I put in the order and eagerly awaited its arrival. When I got home from a friend's baby shower today (which was lovely), I saw it on the table. I ran out to the sun room to get him to open it. The package was clearly marked, "Fragile, Glass." He slit open the tape, and found mounds of Styrofoam peanuts. He plunged his hand in and pulled out...the broken neck of the bottle! Somehow even with all the packing material and the big labels, the USPS managed to break it!!! I was devastated, but he loved it anyway. He thought it was the best gift and said if all else fails he will glue it and display it proudly. I really hope the company I ordered it from will replace it though. I suppose all I can do is laugh...

Kill Grandma?

Ok, I understand that people are very conflicted about health care reform, but surely one thing we can agree on is that something must be done. Another thing we should all agree on is that this "Obama wants to kill grandma" argument is just ridiculous! Paying for a councilor for end-of-life issues, and pulling the plug are two entirely different things. Everyone in the country should have a plan for what their wishes are should they find themselves with a terminal disease, or in an accident that leaves them in a coma, etc. All the plan says is that a person is eligible to have counseling from someone about how to arrange a living will, medical power of attorney, etc., and have medicare pay for that service. It is completely voluntary for goodness sake.

I for one am very pleased with the strides in medical science that allow us to live longer, more productive lives. BUT, there comes a point when I want quality vs. quantity of life. I want to be able to say, no do not resuscitate in certain situations, no I do not want anymore treatment for my cancer because I am going to die no matter what, etc. We should discuss these things when we are not in the midst of a crisis and it would be great to have a neutral, 3rd party involved if it is an emotional situation and you want to see what all your options are.

No one is going to pull the plug on grandma or pawpaw just because they are ill and the government wants to save money. It does not and will not work that way. If someone wants to fight to the bitter end, great! If someone decides to stop treatment, that is their decision and no one else's.

I think most Republicans are sensible people and do not believe this nonsense being spouted by the Rush Limbaugh's and Glenn Becks of the world, but that noisy minority it getting to be most irritating. Instead of yelling people down, and making absurd remarks, how about reasoned, rational, calm discussion of the pros and cons and let us hammer out a compromise that we can all live with. Health care should not be a privilege, it should be mandatory for all of us.

End rant

Cantaloupe

It is amazing how things can trigger so many memories. I had a whole flood come back to me recently while eating cantaloupe. Strange, huh. I had a really tasty one that was icy cold from the fridge. While I ate it, I remembered a trip to Florida with my grandparents and my brothers. I was probably no more than 7 years old and was just fascinated with everything. We were going to Disney World and stayed in Kissimmee, Fl. I cannot remember the name of the hotel, but they had a huge breakfast buffet. This was of great importance to my grandfather, a great lover of food, and my two brothers, who I think at that age had hollow legs. Nothing else could explain the amount that they ate! I did not really care too much about it except for the fruit, especially the cantaloupe. After our first day I think the staff took the hint. The next morning and every morning thereafter as soon as they saw us coming, they refilled everything to the brim and brought our fresh, sweet, cold cantaloupe.

Funny, I don't really remember much else from that trip or even Disney word, but I will always remember eating cantaloupe.