Support and Coping with Cancer   /   Creative Inspiration

Judgment Call

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Lois Tschetter Hjelmstad
From Fine Black Lines: reflections on facing cancer, fear and loneliness Copyright © 1998 Mulberry Hill Press
Last Modified: October 13, 2002

I am willing to spend a day teaching children
But I am not willing to track investments.
It was one thing when I had
All the time in the world.
It is another thing now.

I am willing to cook a tasty meal
But I will not wait to be served in a restaurant.
It was one thing when I had
All the patience in the world.
It is another thing now.

I am willing to listen to another?s pain
But I am not willing to chit-chat over lunch.
It was one thing when
Any subject interested me.
It is another thing now.

I am willing to walk two miles in the woods
But I am not willing to hunt for a bargain
It was one thing when I had
All the strength in the world,
It is another thing now.

I am grateful to discover the difference
Between things that matter to me-
And things that do not.