The Mind

In his book, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for A Hat, Dr. Oliver Sachs tells of his work with people whose minds are not working quite right. Sachs became famous because of the movie titled "Awakenings" starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. In the film, Sachs is working with patients who have been in a catatonic state for long periods and after receiving a psycho active drug called L-dopa they begin to wake up. For some, it is exciting and a real adventure. For others, it is terrifying - they feel overwhelmed by the world they have awakened to.

In the case of the man who mistook his wife for a hat, he suffered from visual agnosia - his brain literally could not recognize people and objects correctly.



For those of us who have had parents who have aged and began suffering from dementia, Alzheimer's, or any of the aging disorders of the brain we know first hand the pain of seeing someone begin to lose the use of their brain. It is heartbreaking.



I reflect on this as I think about the gift of clear thinking. Despite all the abuse my brain has undergone (Saturday morning cartoons, getting hit with a bat in the head at my friend's birthday party when he (Julio) missed the Pinata, too much loud Rock N Roll in the 60' s and 70's and bumping heads with my dimwitted brother trying to pick up the candy that fell out of my Halloween bag and more) I am so thankful that I can still recognize my dear wife and that she is happy that I can!



Thinking is a wonderful gift - try thinking about the good things, the noble things, the excellent things - it will change your whole attitude and outlook! (Philippians 4:8-9)



I am celebrating my brain today. Thank you Lord!



Just thinking, (and glad I can)

Steve