Three Things to be Grateful For

Today was another very hot day. The local paper's headline was, "Climate Decline." I do not know how to raise the level of consciousness for humanity. Al Gore tried, won a Nobel but humanity would rather destroy itself for short term profits for a few. I think this is idolatry of the worst kind. To destroy all life on a planet while seeking only "what I want."

I am grateful for

1. Everyone on the crew and donors that are creating a "Children's Garden" at the arboretum. I walked the meandering path inter-spaced with sections with prints of animals and children.

2. The Catholic Action Center, Eric, Georgia, Marjorie and all the members of the "Preakness Players" who are practicing so hard to present a play in two weeks entitled, "Don't call me homeless, I don't call you home." It has two nights already scheduled and hope to keep presenting to the community! I will help out back stage, front where ever I am needed. I am so excited for them.

3.I went to the neurosurgeon's today for a check in about the pain in my lower back. My physician Dr. Roach would not order the MRI because his office felt that Medicare would not approve it. So he referred me to Dr. Scott whose receptionist was very insistent "Why did you come in without X-Rays?" I explained the story, told her what my insurance was and said, "I have had lower back pain for two years! I want and need to know what is going on!" Then she asked, "Do you have regular Medicare?" "Yes!" She returned to Dr. Scott. He came in a couple of minutes later, bending me like Dee PA in Dr. Roach's office, put me through the same paces on the table, bending my legs, etc. He asked me about the pain, I told him. Dr. S said, "Well, I think we will start with an X-Ray of your hip, then a MRI(scheduled for 8/30)"

I am grateful that I was fighting for health care reform and continue to do so. Dr. S and I got into a discussion on health care reform. He knew the system was broken but didn't know what to do except not wanting "socialized health care." We left the appointment with Dr. S saying, "Come back and we will continue to talk politics and health care." I had told him about the 30% for-profit health care takes from services. I told Dr S about the exorbitant salary the CEO of Manor Care made while we were cutting services for our hospice patients.