Is There a Finite Amount of Good Fortune?

I don't really believe it but it sure seems that way

Published on April 4, 2006 By JillUser In Misc

At a time when I feel my family is on top of the world, I keep hearing of tragedy after tragedy. It is almost enough to make me think that my good fortune is at the expense of others. I sure hope that isn't the case.

First Alex's friend from school dies of cancer. Then I learn that one of my cousins has a son who, at 16, just killed himself. Then I hear of my cousin/aunt being found hanged by a chain in her garage. Then we get news that one of Brad's friends had gotten into a horrific car accident back in January. Now, today, I learned that an incredibly nice guy who built some shelves for us nearly cut his hand off with a table saw! Good grief!!

I'm thankful every minute of every day for what I have. This stuff almost makes me feel guilty though. What have I done to deserve such bliss when these people are going through hell? My dreams keep coming true and theirs get crushed or eliminated altogether. It makes no sense.

Having things go so well makes me nervous at times. It is like I'm waiting for the bad stuff to start.

Comments

Dr Guy

on Apr 04, 2006

No, there is not. But as your life progresses, your circle of acquaintances/friends/Know ofs gets greater and greater. In the instances you describe, only one have you known most of your life. Another you just met when he did a job for you, another was a friend of your husband (which may have predated your marriage) and the last is a friend of your son, who was not around 10 years ago.

See? it is not that there is a limit of good fortune, just that the longer you live, the more lives you touch and touch you, and hence impact your life. It happens to us all.

MasonM

on Apr 04, 2006

Life is a series of unfortunate incidents punctuated by the occassional accident of good fortune.

Either that or stuff happens. :

JillUser

on Apr 04, 2006

Either that or stuff happens. ::

I think that pretty much sums it up.

Dr. Guy, I never thought of it that way. Very insightful.

ParaTed2k

on Apr 04, 2006

Bad news and ugliness forces us to face it.... good fortune and beauty patiently wait for us to notice.

I am overjoyed that you are willing to see the good fortune and beauty that fills your life. I am also glad that you are not afraid to feel pain along with others. Both make you the great person you are.

JillUser

on Apr 05, 2006

Wow ParaTed, what incredibly kind words! I've always had happiness because I've always had love. I have many comforts now due to money but money isn't what makes me happy. Having loving family and friends is what it is all about. My heart hurts the most for those who have to struggle to find and hold on to those things.

Thank you so very much ParaTed.

Dynosoar

on Apr 05, 2006

As an example of positive v/s negative, substitute recognize for rationalize in the following situations;

When my father died of a stroke, days before he was to start chemo for glandular cancer, we rationalized he was out of pain and at peace.
When my Step-father died after suffering from COPD for 5 years, we again rationalized he was no longer suffering.
When my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, we rationalized that she had the opportunity to better monitor her health.
When one of our previous businesses suffered a bankruptcy inducing embezzlement, we rationalized it as an opportunity to retire and concentrate on family.
When our oldest son fathered a child, and accepted full parental responsibility, we rationalized it as an opportunity to come out of retirement and start a business for him.
When that son displayed no desire to take over the aforementioned business, we saw that as a opportunity to venture into public service.

True failure is the inability to find something positive from the experience.

foreverserenity

on Apr 05, 2006

Doc and M, insightful comments. Ted and Dyno, true words!

In my homeland we have a saying "death comes in threes" meaning that if you have one death in your family or circle of friends, there will be two more within the year of the first person passing. So far this has been proven to be true.

Sometimes we can't help but feel bad or sad for the misfortune that happens to people and prayerfully hope that it doesn't happen to you. We also can't sit and worry about it all because if we did we would drive ourselves crazy. It takes someone with a big heart to care as much and you're obviously that.

It's been quite a time for my family and cirle as well with my husband's mom being close to that 'door' twice this year already and his sister having to get a life saving operation and a friend of my daughter just falling over in the gym at school and having to have emergency life saving brain surgery. Those are moments that impact your lives and make you wonder and realise how precious life is and those around you are. All you can do is count your blessings everyday and be thankful for every moment you have.

JillUser

on Apr 05, 2006

All you can do is count your blessings everyday and be thankful for every moment you have.

Absolutely true. I try not to worry too much. I'm naturally a worry wart though so it takes some doing.

Sorry to hear of all the trials everyone else had been through. Those are the stories that make me take the extra time to talk to my grandma, hug my kids every chance I get and never part without saying "I love you".

Gideon MacLeish

on Apr 05, 2006

No, there's no finite amount of good fortune. As the old saying goes, "it rains on the just and the unjust". I think when we're viewed as fortunate, it's only because of how we've handled our setbacks.

For instance, I always think of myself as EXTREMELY fortunate. Yet someone else playing the exact same hand I've been dealt, could be rotting away in a jail cell or dead by now. I mean, after all, I lost two younger brothers before they turned 19 years old, had a HORRIBLY dysfunctional childhood, battle truly crippling bouts of depression, and only a year and a half ago was teetering on the edge of homelessness. But I have a wonderful wife, five beautiful and healthy children, and have not had to go to bed hungry one single day of my adult life. I'm abundantly fortunate in the things that truly matter.

JillUser

on Apr 05, 2006

But I have a wonderful wife, five beautiful and healthy children, and have not had to go to bed hungry one single day of my adult life. I'm abundantly fortunate in the things that truly matter.

You have your heart and priorities in the right place Gid.

Thanks for the comment and best wishes to you and yours.

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