The Central Focus

We are tempted to treat a diagnosis as THE central fact of life: the person becomes identified with the illness or disease. But it is not "all there is."

Sympathetic Understanding

Our task is to care, be there, and remember the whole person.

Photo of a flower

The Diagnosis

Regaining Perspective

The tests are analyzed,
the results are determined,
the physician speaks
and suddenly
we’re focused
on what is wrong
and we forget —
or set aside in our concern,
all that is right.

We must remember
to remember
all that is fine
and healthy
and strong;
all that is right,
all that is good.

We must remember
the strength of spirit,
the radiance of soul,
the warmth of heart,
the glory of life;

we must remember
to remember
all things
bright
and beautiful.

The diagnosis
is not an end
in itself.
It is not
The Most Important Thing.
It is an event
in the midst of life.

Life is what matters;
it is the blessing
of each day,
and each day
is a blessing
filled with challenges
and choices,
love, laughter,
and sometimes tears.

The diagnosis
is only one aspect
of abundant life:
in the midst, to be sure,
but not central to it;
a concern,
but not our focus;
important,
but not essential —
for it can do no harm
to love.

We must remember
to remember
all that is good
and beautiful
and blessed;
we must remember
what truly matters,
we must remember
that love
is all in all.