Back in the 30’s DuPont made some advertising effort that is said to have formed over the years into the phase “Better Living through Chemistry”. Then again, I understand that in more recent times DuPont has left that slogan behind, but not without first triggering a book and a movie by that name – and several sarcastic writings and quotes over the years.
From the drug era of the 60’s came several songs and quotations about pills, drugs, and the pharmaceutical soup from which came today’s panacea of cures for every human ill imaginable. “Reality is a crutch for people who can’t handle drugs.” (unknown author). “Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most.” (Jimi Hendrix). These are a couple of the phrases I remember from the 60’s. Of course there is also a quote from an unknown source that says “If you can remember the 60’s, you weren’t there.” So you must question anyone who brings you truths from those years.
As my children and grandchildren reach the big age of 21 I remember the silliness of teenage dreams looking forward to the day when it would be legal to drink alcohol (or do other “adult” things only 21 year-olds can do). What a joke. In any event, today most 18 year-olds have already done everything reserved for 21-year olds, so there is really nothing left. It is also helpful to remember that in the 60’s when the Viet Nam War was underway at age 18 it was legal for us to kill in war, but not legal for us to drink. But I digress…
I was never into recreational drugs. I discovered quickly when I drank too much alcohol I felt sick – and I didn’t like feeling sick, so I passed on that. So my experience with drugs has been limited to those that have been prescribed for me over the years by physicians. Some pain medications and muscle relaxers have created memorable experiences for me (well, maybe memorable is the wrong word because much of their action interfered with my memory). A few medications helped me get over various ailments. Many were preventative in nature. Some kept me awake and some put me to sleep. Some were for short-term use and others were added to my regimen for the years to come. I’ve noticed a direct correlation between my aging and the number of prescriptions I have to refill. And increasingly I have noticed a terrible correlation between the number of prescriptions I have and the declining property of my checkbook balance.
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Two days ago my cardiologist added yet another prescription to my growing cacophony of chemical remedies. I was not amused. Yesterday and today I have been completely aware of the new side effects this medicine has brought on (piled on top of the myriads of other side effects created by the other medications I must take). Again, not amused. There are noticeable side effects and it bothers me to think this might become my “new normal” as physicians are so quick to leap to.
It is unthinkable to me that 21 year old children look with excitement toward experimenting by putting chemicals into their body with some desire to feel the side effects. On the contrary, I would love to experience dropping side effects and returning to some “old normal” by eliminating chemicals from my system. Of course doing so would risk some of the same terrible health calamities I warn my own inexperienced children about. In fact this latest medication is to prevent death from heart attack or stroke. Yeah, that’s right up there with the scary reasons I tell my kids not to play with drugs.
There is another quote by the late Andy Rooney that seems quite appropriate here: “It’s paradoxical, that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.”
God, thank You for today (I know it is a gift). I’m watching for Your Hand in my life today (I don’t want to miss a miracle). I’m accepting wherever the journey takes me (please help me accept the side effects). Amen.