Breath

March 24, 2018

My only aunt was recently diagnosed with COPD. An oxygen cannula is her constant companion as she struggles for breath. I cannot imagine struggling for every breath. Well actually, I can. Slightly. I’ve been struggling with a chest cold that has me coughing and wheezing almost uncontrollably. I don’t like it one bit, but there is a silver lining in this cloud—unlike COPD, it will eventually disperse, and I will breathe freely again. 

I am grateful tonight for all the breaths I have taken and taken for granted. When one struggles to inhale, each breath is a gift and a reminder to pray for those who will never breathe easily again. It is a horrible way to live, and even worse way to die. I live, and give thanks and prayers for breath.