It's been quite a while since I wrote anything in print - on paper - whatever. It's not that I've not been thinking about things, I guess it's a matter of writing the words as the act of writing things makes them more of a reality.
I've been thinking a lot this past year about mortality. It's such a frightening thought to me because I love living. No matter what the day brings, I would much rather be experiencing things. Everyday I am so thankful for having a family (albeit small), an amazing son, friends, a roof over my head, a job, food, and health. I've really been blessed. Everything else that happens is whipped cream and a cherry on top. The reason I've been thinking so much about mortality is because so many friends have passed recently. Each one hits a bit harder - a bit closer to home. This last one was the hardest in a long time. I see so many people abusing the life they have been given that to lose a person that understood it all was hard. It sickens me that many people don't understand the gift and opportunity they have been given. They don't get that you make your own history and future. I suppose teaching human biology and human anatomy doesn't help.
Trying to teach students how amazing we are anatomically, physiologically, and any other "-ically" you want to throw in is sometimes a daunting task. I know I can reach them - it's a matter of finding a new way. Perhaps if I tried "texting" everyone my lectures...... Yesterday I had a student ask me if he was losing points by showing up late. I tired to explain that no, he wasn't losing physical points but he was losing information. He didn't get it. It was all about the points. He looked at me and said "so it's no big deal." All I could say is that it was a big deal because it was rude to throw away opportunities. I don't think he got it. The sad reality is that I don't think he will ever get it.
Some of my colleagues and I joke about having to dance in front of the class to get students attention. We joke and laugh, but it is pretty close to being a reality. When did it change? Why did it change?
There is so much I still want to do with my life. I'm still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up. I pray that I have at least 50 more years to decide. I know that I want to be that the longest living human. I also know that I want make a mark to let people know I existed. Jack London had it correct.
