Knowledge isn’t Supposed to be Lost

I’ve written this column for the Daily Times since 2001, so it’s about time I shed some light on its conception and evolution, and to give credit where credit is due. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Social Work from Ohio University in 1976 and my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 1990. I’ve practiced medical social work since 1976 and I’ve been a hospice social worker since May of 1993.

During my career I’ve been privileged to be invited into the homes, lives and hearts of hundreds of hospice patients and families. As a result I’ve come to understand and agree with wise King Solomon’s conclusion: “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by a sad countenance the heart is made better.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2-3)

There’s nothing like receiving a terminal diagnosis to cause a person to cut to the chase, to drop their defenses and pretenses, and get real with themselves, with others and with their maker. It compels a person to ponder what’s really important and what they really believe. In his song, “Live Like You Were Dying”, Tim McGraw describes it this way: “I was in my early forties with a lot of time before me, and a moment came that stopped me on a dime…I loved deeper, I talked sweeter, I gave forgiveness I’d been denying…Some day I hope you get the chance to live like you are dying.”

You see, by living in the light of eternity the heart can be “made better”. The terminally ill frequently gain valuable, life changing insights and knowledge that can be passed on, if, “the living will take it to heart”. Therefore, let me introduce you to a former hospice patient, friend and fellow pilgrim.

Loyal was admitted to hospice with lung cancer about fourteen years ago. He was in his late 70’s, thin with silver gray hair combed straight back. His typical dress was khaki pants, a dress shirt and suspenders. He sat with perfect posture, reflective of a man of discipline. Loyal reflected, “I’ve found that life isn’t very interesting without a challenge” Loyal had owned his own trucking company, and in his prime, he’d been a professional boxer in St. Louis, Missouri. Loyal proudly claimed, “I fought back when you fought every Saturday night for $10 a fight.” Loyal added, “I’ve been knocked down but I’ve never been knocked out.”

Pride gave way to despair as Loyal admitted that his misplaced pursuit of adventure had cost him his first wife, children and family. He continued, “I wasn’t saved until I was seventy. All my life I looked for challenge in all the wrong places. But I’ve found that there’s nothing like trying to understand the heart, mind and will of God. I get a kick out of it! I only wish I’d known sooner. I’ve learned so much since then but now there’s no one who wants to listen. And I don’t blame them. But knowledge isn’t supposed to be lost; it’s supposed to be passed on.” It was a moment of truth, a moment of decision for me, and I told Loyal, “I’m here and I’ll listen. And I promise to pass on whatever I learn.”

Since that day I’ve tried to pass on what I’ve learned, not only from Loyal, but from other hospice patients and families as well. And it’s not something I make happen; it’s something that happens to me. I don’t find the stories they find me. And when they do, I know that it’s too important, too good, not to pass it on. My heart and conscience tell me that to fail to do so would be a type of spiritual abortion. Because, “knowledge isn’t supposed to be lost; it’s supposed to be passed on.”

I thank the hospice patients and families who have courageously and generously shared their hearts and wisdom with me. I thank The Portsmouth Daily Times for publishing the stories for the past seven years. But most of all I thank God who is the one who is working in all of us to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). He is the one who gives us the desires (passions/interests/affections) of our hearts (Psalms 37:4).

I encourage you to tune in next week for part two of this two part series titled, “The One Who Opens Doors”.