July 4, 2006 - Day 7 - Week 13 - Independence Day

What an incredible concept is described by the word independence.  From the time we are three years of age on we struggle to gain our independence so that we can function on our own in society.  For years this nation wrestled with an absentee landlord, a monarchy that held the power tightly, and finally on July 4, 1776, 57 signers of the Declaration of Independence declared freedom.  We lift up those brave souls on this day of celebration, that hopefully are more than just a few hours of suds and dogs, barbecues and parades, fireworks and diversions galore.

I remember well when my father was declared free of cancer five years after having his lung removed by Dr. Sam Wylie at the Harkness Pavilion of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in NYC.  This was a big day for dad, and our family.  Independent once again, our father and mother were visibly moved by the pronouncement that they were free from the shackles, emotional and physical, caused by having lung cancer. Not knowing how many good years of independence would be granted, at age 56 and simultaneous to the five year anniversary of being free of cancer, my parents marked the date by buying a boat.  Boating has not been a luxury in our family, but a necessity, and for years has represented a form of acting out one’s independence.  Dad, most likely, began this appreciation for boating in our family and to this day my brother Jay and his wife Elizabeth, as well as Katy and I and our family love the freedom one feels in a boat.

My Dad and Mom chose to name their anniversary of independence boat, GOOD NEWS.  The name was chosen for a reason.   Good news that the cancer was gone, good news that independence from the disease was going to be marked by time on the water with family and friends, and good news that there was the potential now for a long life.  The boat arrived when Dad was 56; he died last summer just shy of 89.  And, yes, the boat GOOD NEWS is in the family and is berthed in Annapolis, Maryland a block from my brother’s home.

An aside:  Last week part of our family sat in Jen’s hospital room and laughed about boat names.  We concluded that when declared free of cancer, and given back our independence, we may have to name our boat MORE GOOD NEWS.

The feeling of independence is a cherished gift, yet there are many who feel fettered by a variety of circumstances.  Debilitating diseases like cancer, AIDS, MS, and Parkinson’s, to name just a few rob a person of his or her independence. In addition, addictions re-focus human ingenuity and enterprise and thwart independent thought and action.  The good news is that people can and do find relief.  When that arrives independence is declared.

Our national hallmark of greatness is symbolized by our flag.  Many lives have been given to secure and maintain independence from tyranny and oppression.  Our flag flies to call us to be vigilant for freedom and independence are cherished values.  I know all to well in microcosm how special independence feels.  I trust that one day that feeling will return, and that will be good news for our family.

Let us fight to eliminate those factors that rob you and me of our feeling of independence, beginning with the eradication of diseases, and not ending there.  Amen!

Back to Week 13