Cell phones, remote controls, drones, even vacuums all battery powered. People use the phrase “energizer bunny” to describe high energy and endurance, but we are going nowhere without batteries. Some day they will be passe but until then we need to charge.

Could you imagine if we had to have a battery pack for each bodily function? We are living miracles and while we can marvel we can also be disappointed. Bodies are not machines. We are not designed for perfection. Diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, cancer, joint pain so many ways we wish we could reboot.

You hope the more you are disciplined, work out, eat right, that sickness will stay away. “Doc, I gave up smoking thirty years ago! Can’t believe they found this lung cancer when I had a pacemaker!” Jesse says. He is right it doesn’t seem fair.

Amos says, “Doc this cancer plus dialysis treatment is a full time job!.” At 82 he isn’t frightened or disappointed. He is happy to have today. “Hey, well at least I’m still standin’.” I peer over my glasses and we both chuckle. “Oh yeah, except for my wheelchair!” Now that sense of humor will get him through and recharge him.

Martha drags her oxygen tank down the hallway. She is 100 lbs but the emphysema takes the energy she needs to eat a decent meal. “Doc, I can’t breath and eat at the same time so go ahead and stick the feeding tube in, I’ve still got things to do”.

Everyone talks about embracing the natural but look around. We cannot live without being plugged in and there are many reasons patients accept the burden of medical devices. I am reminded that a life worth living and a future worth anticipating is the real power.

Jesse, Amos and Martha aren’t working hard for themselves. The real power player in our lives is hope for the future. Jesse to see a new granddaughter, Amos to attend his grandson’s police academy graduation, Martha to care for her two little dogs. Your mind and body have the real power- don’t abdicate it to any disease.

Think about what gives you power and when you do, I am certain you will appreciate that it is a life with many joys and expectations. Staying fully charged will provide for your best life.