Since April 13, 2017, I've had three illnesses that were (and still are to some degree) life-threatening conditions. I've spend more time in the intensive care unit in the hospital than I care to remember.
In my periods of hospitalization and revovery, I've had ample time to consider life, living and death. During these times of reflection and self-evaluation, I am finding comfort, happiness and even joy in my humanist-athiest beliefs and philosophy.
Never once did the possibility of a god enter my mind. It is the efforts and help from mankind that got me through the dark an pain-filled days ... not a god.
I have one life and I am responsible for making every day and deed count for the betterment of humanity, even if they go unnoticed and are individually small tokens of my humanist-athiest beliefs.
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Thanks for sharing that! Ever so glad to see you back with us!
@ mbrownec .....
"I have one life and I am responsible for making every day and deed count for the betterment of humanity, even if they go unnoticed and are individually small tokens of my humanist-athiest beliefs."
Very well said...... excellent ..
this is what theist will respond if you're on a theist forum:
"god has plan for you that's why he gave you second chance to live"
"it's a miracle...praise the lord hallelujah...god is so good.."
"he uses the doctor as an instrument to heal you..god blessed you"
"the prayers of your family were answered...that's why you're alive"
"god works in mysterious ways...you have to thank the lord for your second life"
and all of the bullshit you can think theist will say.....yup, even johnny "the brilliant mind" breezy say this things.
As they say in Australia "Goodonya."
@mbrownec: It is the efforts and help from mankind that got me through the dark an pain-filled days ... not a god.
Sorry to hear about your illnesses. I hope you're feeling better now.
I agree absolutely with your comments. When I was in a similar situation a few years ago it was the skill and science and human care of the doctors and nurses that saved and comforted me. I'd rather see lots of machines and screens with beeping noises and flashing LEDs than medievalists chanting mumbo jumbo and slobbering on crucifixes.
Welcome mbrownec, my experiences are similar to yours. I too have done some time in intensive care, had my share of risky and life-changing operations. At that time I was free from the shackles of religion with it's fear, guilt and despair. And because of that, I was able to endure what I had to go through.
During my entire ordeal I was never in fear. Of course I did not want to die, but I did not waste any time or energy on feeding those fears. Instead I relied on good doctors (and other support staff) and science.
And yes, life is good.
I can sympathize mbrownec. I am currently in the hospital after having what I thought was a massive heart attack. Turns out it was a massive gall bladder attack. Funny how the gall bladder can create pain, tightness, shortness of breath, and all the symptoms of a heart attack. Currently going through some tests. May need surgery. Again.
@"it's a miracle...praise the lord hallelujah...god is so good.."
To which I say bollocks. Bullshit. If God were so damned good, he'd never have created these problems in the first place.
rmfr
Arakish, I had the same problem a couple years ago...it’s called referred pain. They even did a cardiac cath on me. Was out of town and had another attack in the middle of the night. Told the ER doc I was negative for CAD. She pushed on my belly near my liver and I almost hurt her for it. All she said was, “Guess who’s having surgery in the morning.”
I know you’re hurting! I hope you get thru it quickly.
My problem was the doctors could push as hard as they wanted where the gall bladder and liver is and there was NO pain. All the pain was centered around my heart and in the lungs area. However all test showed it was NOT a heart attack. They could push around my heart and lungs and I'd scream in pain.
They had me come back and did some CAT scans, MRIs, and USs. Through the three they still think it was the gall bladder since, as they said, "Your gall bladder is full of stones and sludge. As to why all the pain around your heart is unfathomable." And I have to agree.
I am home now, but my job has told me to take all the time I need. Spent the day getting appointments set up with various doctors.
However, I still find it absolutely astonishing that there was no pain around the gall bladder.
Who knows. I ain't afraid to say, "I do not know."
rmfr
I hope the mystery is solved and you mend quickly!