I think there is so much that we don't understand, that is impossible to document or prove, that sometimes we spend more time justifying a belief than we do enjoying life.

I'm an agnostic......I don't know the answers and I ain't real sure of the questions either. I have absolutely no idea about the hows or whys and I have long since ceased to care. But there are a few things I am sure of...........

If you have a belief that makes you feel good, makes your life better somehow, makes it easier to love people and open your heart and mind to theirs, and doesn't walk on or judge another's belief, then whatever you got is a good thing even if you believe in Hector the Frog Prince of Gobbaloopada. And when you offer your best in prayers or chants or thoughts or whatever on behalf of yourself and Hector for me because I am having a hard time, feel free to do it and I'll love you for it. I have been prayed over by folks of every persuasion and I know that whatever it was they gave to me when I needed it, it made a difference. You say, "But Spaw, that's all in your head," and though it may be, it's a damn good place for it because the mind has a tremendous control over the body....and that can be proven. Anyone needing a reminder of this one, feel free to go back to exactly this time three years ago and find some threads like, "Catspaw; Read This" and the subsequent 500 posts that followed.

Sister Connie has a strong and abiding faith in God, her Church, and her beliefs. Before the "valve job" a friend of hers, Jim, stopped in at the hospital the night before surgery and this guy was just one of those completely wired-up Christians. He was also an interesting human being and we talked for a half hour or so. He had made the visit because he knew and liked Connie and had gone well out of his way to see me that night. I didn't believe what he believed, but he was happy in it and I knew that he was bringing me what his best was. I knew too that his visit made Connie feel better. So when he asked if we could pray, I said I'd be happy to. He said his prayer and left after a few more words of conversation. Connie was happy to hear about it. Jim was happy because he felt he had helped some other human beings. I was happy because he was a decent guy and we'd had a nice talk and it's boring as hell the night before a surgery. Plus, I felt good because I knew Jim did and Connie would too..........and what the hell did it hurt to allow Jim his beliefs and his prayer? Maybe I should have argued? Maybe a debate huh?

If it works for you and it feels good and it's not harming others.....go for it. If it's directed at you or for you by one of those folks, enjopy it. And let's all try to put our energy into enjoying our lives and not worrying too much about kicking the ass of Hector or his mates.

Spaw