On a Sunday night, a couple of weeks ago, I bawled my eyes out as 60 Minutes told the story of a husband and wife who travelled to America to try a new (and by all immediate accounts; successful ) treatment for his Alzheimer’s.
The results from the first of three planned treatments were very promising; he had regained some of his memory and was feeling like a new person, however, they soon realised that they couldn’t afford to stay and pay for the remainder. So, they returned home to Australia, and sadly he died shortly thereafter.
I was mortified for them. I can’t fathom what that plane trip home would have felt like. Knowing that there was no hope left and he would soon die. What’s more; I could never imagine not being able to afford to keep the one I love alive. I am newly engaged. My love for my fiancé is unmeasurable. To have him taken away, due to a lack of money, not lack of treatment available… oh my goodness, what a cruel, torturous situation.
“UM. HELLO REBECCA!” Perspective said.
My mind then expanded. Horn of Africa. Pensioners. The poor, urine-soaked homeless man I saw this morning. Almost HALF of the world’s population ‘survive’ on less than $2.50 per day…
And I couldn’t even think of the possibility of not being able to pay for treatment?
I am aware of world issues; I read; I watch the news. Sometimes though, they’re not top of mind.
Goodness me.
What a lucky world I live in.
When did you receive your last ‘dose of perspective’?
Image Credit: Kathryn Sprigg
