One of the horrible side effects of growing older with a progressive disorder is a hardening of the spirit. Maybe its a defense mechanism or a refusal to waste time on crocodile tears or even to tolerate being around those who seem to love producing them.
Recenlty I have heard of a few people diagnosed with various forms of cancer, and all the compassion I can muster is to hope that their suffering is short and minimal. At least there is an end in sight. and ultimately they had a long healthy run. I don't think I will be getting any Nobel prizes for compassion anytime soon!
