One of my first published essays carried the title, “The Virtue of Pain”.  I argued (at age 15) that without pain, we could not appreciate joy.  The essay appeared in a magazine published by the Christian Board of Publication in St. Louis.  Before you admire me too much, let me tell you that my sister Adrienne worked for Christian Board.  I might have had an “in”.

This morning, I awakened early to prepare myself for a day of testing.  I had to limit my sleep to one-half of normal and forego caffeine.  I’ve had breakfast and herbal tea.  My bones ache from too little sleep.  But moments after waking today, just before I would have complained about my stiff joints and sore  muscles, I thought, I felt bad because I had no shoes, until I saw the man who had no feet.

Indeed.  I am blessed that I can afford health insurance which will pay for these tests; blessed that I can feel even if what I feel today is pain.  So today, I am grateful for my aches, because they tell me that I am alive.  And as “me old mither” always said, Where there is life, there is room for improvement.

My mother, Lucille Corley. I hope to get into the attic soon to find some good pictures of her to scan. I like this one, though. My mother inspired me to keep going; and so I shall.