The ARDS Foundation - Body, Mind, & Spirit

By Pastor Ian

“Feeding the Need”

As I was driving along one of our country roads just before Hanukkah and Christmas I had to slow down and move over to the oncoming vehicle lane to avoid a lady wearing a red coat and hat. She was standing in the middle of the road with arms and hands outstretched. No, she wasn't trying to pick me up (I should be so lucky!); she was feeding the local bird population by hand. That's right, the little birds (mainly Chickadees) were flying out of the bush on to her hands, and taking seed. It was a sight to behold, and made me feel very humble as I drove slowly past this spectacle. Whoever you are my mystery lady, I hope you can stand to be out there doing the same thing when it is minus 20 C. The birds that so obviously trust you will really need your care then. Bird Feeder season is with us once again and if your home is like ours there will be at least one of these "country kitchens" hanging up above the deck at the back of your house.

Often we have asked ourselves the question: "If we and others were not feeding these little creatures, how would they survive and what would they live on?" (You now know the approach of one person)

In our home we enjoy their antics as they come and go throughout the day. The local Woodpeckers have scant regard for their cholesterol levels as they tap away at the millet covered suet ball, gradually wearing it down until it is hanging on by a thread of white lard. Nothing goes to waste, and while some of the local bird population is feasting on the feeders, there is another colony beavering away beneath, picking up the crumbs that fall. The squirrels that were present in force during the recent cold spell have retreated to their usual feeding grounds, passing up our smaller seeds in favor of acorns and the likes. The feeding hierarchy that reigns around the feeders, with the lowly Chickadee being forced to risk life and wing to get its fair share of the goodies that abound,
remind me in a strange way of certain human characteristics.

Sadly, it is not only the local wildlife population that requires help, as the newsletter issued by The ARDS Foundation will testify. There is a tremendous need in our country and in the world to alleviate pain and suffering.
Advances in medical science seem only to be able to stay a step or two behind the ongoing and developing need to try to understand, and get at the sources of new viruses and illness.

Are we living in denial that our ˜western" lifestyles are not in some way a major contributing factor to the current worldwide epidemic of disease? Is it right to leave the drug companies to initiate research in whatever area they may choose, or should national interests (Government) be directing their endeavors?

Whatever the answer to these questions, I believe that we will only be able to get ahead of our medical problems when we start to take responsibility for our actions, in particular with pollution and global warming. I would suggest that these have a strong relationship to epidemics of SARS and Flu and similar. Remember that it took about fifty years to form a link between smoking and lung disease and yet people still continue to abuse their bodies in this way.

In the case of the ARDS Syndrome, nobody can be accused of ignoring the warning signs because, as far as we know, there are none. It simply happens, and we are thrust into a new world of trauma and uncertainty, placing our trust in medical science and those who deliver it to our loved ones. I have said this before and I think it is worth repeating. Each case is different and will proceed at its own pace. Yes, there are common parameters in all cases, but the effect of the syndrome will differ with each and every patient. Many will survive to live and love another day, and sadly, some will not. The only way we can change this statistic is to ensure that research into ARDS continues at an increased rate.

The little birds in my story survive because someone like you or me cares for them by meeting their needs. You are probably reading this article now because someone you love and care for has been affected by ARDS. I know they would not appreciate a handful of bird seed, but perhaps there are other ways in which you might help, like prayer, like visits, like support of family, like support of The ARDS Foundation to enable it to continue to network with the medical profession and hospitals across North America as it seeks to prevent and cure ARDS.

The New Year 2004 lies in front of us like the pages of an open book, and these pages are as yet blank. It is within your power to fill them with whatever you may choose. Whatever your choice, be proactive and DO SOMETHING that will make a positive difference in the life of another.

Happy New Year

Pastor Ian