Life and Death and not just Football

I'm sitting here being reflective and trying to understand life.  Everyone on Facebook and Twitter is all hyped up about Bobby Petrino being fired as Arkansas' head football coach (supposedly to be confirmed in a 7:15 news conference, but nothing yet).  I am sad about that and I particularly feel for the people who had to make this decision and for all the innocent people who are impacted. However, my heart doesn't break for them....

Today was my volunteer chaplain day at the hospital.  I was visiting with someone in the waiting area when it became obvious there was a problem as multiple personnel were running into the Infusion Center.  I went back and talked with a nurse and found out someone had difficulty breathing, so they called in emergency personnel.  I walked (well, almost ran) to the ER with the patient's wife and sat with her while she waited to see her husband.

This is who my heart breaks for.  This is real "real" life, not the U of A football coach and his ethics/morals (or lack thereof).  Yes, I am a Razorback fan through and through, but.....

(does anybody but me think it's ironic that NBC is breaking from "The Biggest Loser" and ABC is breaking from "Last Man Standing" to show the press conference?)

Sorry, I digress.  Back to the lady whose husband was taken to the ER.  She told me he has been fighting cancer for many years now.  She said he doesn't have many good days, as he is in a lot of pain almost every day.  She cried as she said she knows she should give him up and let him relax in God's arms, but.....

I understand.  I really do.  It's the hardest thing in the world to tell the love of your life that you will be fine and if he wants to give up, he can.  Yes, I wouldn't want to be Jeff Long, for any amount of money, but I'm pretty sure Jeff Long (and Bobby Petrino) have it better tonight than this woman does, as she considers her husband's life and whether she can let him go.  No one else can decide that.  I encouraged her to seek a Palliative Care consult, as those professionals can help more than anyone else, other than the good Lord.  I have had she and her husband in my prayers and can't get them off my mind.  This is the stuff of real life and death which can't be dealt with by a press conference....