Fridays with Mac: "Close to the Can"

“It’s all about perspective,” was the prophetic response from a wise young man. Your correspondent was sharing, via a New Jersey to Colorado phone chat, an interesting twist concerning the ongoing battle against Amyloidosis and the need for continued thrice-weekly dialysis.?

The former All-American collegiate tennis player had called to get the latest from “Uncle Mac” about the rare bone-marrow disorder attempting to destroy my kidneys. He got an earful. “Hey champ, first I gotta give credit where credit is due. This morning, I walked into a men’s Bible fellowship feeling sorry for myself. Yep. Ya know that, realistically, I might be facing a lifetime of dialysis.” My present perspective. Admittedly, stinkin’ thinking. Lousy spot.

I went on, “Uncle Mac was a bit downtrodden and needed a pep talk and boy did he get one. The message clearly conveyed during an hour of foxhole time with like-minded knuckleheads?” Unanimous. “Get over yourself.” He grunted. I tossed in, “Oh, and one of these wisdom-seeking wisecracks snorted, “Mac, you can’t receive new miracles with old mindsets.” Amen.

Perspective.

To the handsome one-time Fighting Illini standout who uttered that powerful word, a proud uncle-kinda guy divulged more about being moved to a different spot within the Fresenius Kidney care facility. “For the first four months of treatment, I had been blessed to occupy a room reserved for dialysis patients whose immune systems are so comprised that receiving care in the normal treatment room left them vulnerable. That room was not occupied and since there were no “normal” chairs available, they tossed Uncle Mac in there.”?

Things have changed. “There’s a fellow traveler on this journey who needs isolation. I’ve been booted and, as it should be, placed in the general population.” Here’s where it starts getting good about perspective. “Champ, my new location’s right next to the treatment room’s entrance and the closest chair to the bathroom. I think it’s a strategic move on their part given close calls for a fella who, “When he has to go? Has to go!” Ross Guignon laughed.?

Unhooking from the life-saving lines charged with removing toxins and purifying blood for, at least at this time, battered kidneys unable to process? It takes time. Occasionally, a race against Mother Nature. Smart move in that respect. The facility’s excellent nurses and technicians, risk management folks too, don’t endorse patients walking briskly, let alone running, for the bathroom.

It’s all about perspective, right? Closer to the can is good. Our attitude concerning unexpected and unwanted life-altering detours? Will we resist the new normal? My young, but wise, buddy jolted thy cranium with the same darn message I had received from the fellowship fellas just a few hours before. Coincidence? I think not.

Grow where planted. Sure. You bet. Easy, to sometimes ignore. However, too many were exhorting, “McIntosh, you’re right where you’re supposed to be.” What??Close proximity to the bathroom is optimal for everyone. No question. Placing my 65-year-old buttocks in a chair most must pass upon entry? What’s up with that? My current conversation partner and men earlier in the morning were united in professing, “What a wonderful opportunity to engage with others in a tough spot and, ya know, encourage them to hang in there. You’re good at that.” Thanks.

Encouragement. I’ve always loved the word, defined as, “To give hope and confidence to others.” In this case it starts with adjusting my perspective. Dialysis forever? Well, it would mean embracing the gift of a great location to encourage others fighting kidney disease and be close to, at least for me, a valuable resource. Two for the price of one with, sorry couldn’t resist, a “Can do” attitude.

In closing our 45-minute conversation?the handsome middle-child of long-time dear friends, reminded Uncle Mac, “Hey pal, never forget it’s all about perspective.” Right on.

Wise words from a young sage. When the journey becomes laborious, as it often does, may perspective reveal itself. Clean out the clutter of limiting beliefs and make room for new within you. Try to give it space. In my case, being close to the can really helps too.

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