Quite the Philosophers Corner we have going.

These paragraphs are outstanding!

"Could it be that our purpose cannot be realized until we are that shaped by blows, tempered by pain, individuals who finally in the end * understand our interconnectedness to all that is around us? That those sufferings we rail at with anger, are a universal human experience, a commonality that binds us all. Several years now I have listened to the voices on this board, visited friends in the last months of their lives, been uplifted by successes against the disease, and I am never less than amazed at the difference that is exhibited by those who have put their necessary initial anger in its place, and have replaced it with something more enlightened than those that continue to rage against the wind".

The only thing I would add (if I may be so bold) to the above are the words "and new beginning," where I put the asterisk.

I really like this part also:

"To then put it in perspective, and while trying to free myself from rationalizations, and blame, see anger as both a tool and a lesson. And then the most difficult part, to not let it be pointed at others, or things that I cannot change".


Anger is good for starting wars and arguements but when has it ever ended either? I find I am able to agree that anger is a part of our lives but when you look at this last couple of sentences, it's there, right there! "a tool and a lesson", and "not pointed at others". Once you realize those points, it ceases to be anger! you have mastered it.

I am going to do what I have so far not done here at OCF, quote from the Bible: Jesus, in Mark 12:31 and whether you believe in Jesus as God or not, this quote should still have much value: First Corinthians 13: 4-13, describing Love. Most of us have heard these words at weddings, but they are important in the broader meaning of life. They certainly apply here as we all come together to help strangers and friends alike. (I respectfully submit that my intent here is not to preach or convert anyone, I understand there are people here of many faiths)

To me, anger evolves from negative. It has cousins, Hate which is more easily recognized, Envy, Greed and Blame. Unless we master these, they will block Peace, Love, Joy, Hope and Charity

Someone told me something, as I began my cancer journey, that was surprising. He said "there will be people, and things will be there for you whenever you need them". This proved to be true beyond belief! I could write chapters about the things that happened and the people, complete strangers, that would pop into my life! each with just the right answer or the missing piece of a puzzle. It continues today.

Thank you