The Tribune

By ANGELA PALACIOUS THIS title is a quote from a friend who has cancer. I promised her that I would share her experience in order to help someone else. She waited too late to be honest with her physician about her condition, and now has to undergo chemotherapy and radiation after having had surgery. She was afraid to hear what she suspected was the truth. This is her plea to you to learn from her mistake. I am trusting that her prognosis will be good and that she will have many years to be a source of encouragement and companionship to others. However long she has, she is drawing closer to the Lord and finding joy in living one day at a time. What about you? Early detection makes real the saying: "a stitch in time saves nine", but best of all, is the advice in the adage: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". This requires self-discipline when it comes to food and water consumption, exercise, rest and relaxation, weight gain or loss as directed by your doctor, to quit smoking and get help for addictions. Regular check-ups are a must, and being informed is essential, especially as it relates to family medical history. I want to take her warning a little further. There are some other situations which are exacerbated with the passing of time. Now is the time to: 1. Mend relationships that need to have changes made sooner rather than later to prevent the deterioration of communication. 2. Make a budget, prepare for retirement, save for family plans as they relate to education and health. 3. Draw up a will to eliminate some of the confusion when clear instructions are not left. 4. Stop illegal or immoral activities. 5. Forgive and be free from bitterness and hatred. 6. Work for the Lord and live a godly life. 7. Remember not to wait too long. We all have the opportunity while there is still time to make necessary changes in our lives. It is never too late to do the right thing. We are building a nation and furthering God's kingdom, so let us stop procrastinating and not wait until it is a day too late.