A week ago, Sunday, I apologized in advance to our pastor and told him I would not be at church this past Sunday. I explained that I would be flying to Pennsylvania for a strategic planning meeting with the board for the organization with whom I work. He looked at me quizzically and asked: "Are you sure you are supposed to be flying with a blood clot?"
His question both caught me off guard and was somewhat disturbing. I'd be the first admit that I don't know everything, but I can generally find someone who does to answer my questions. I reached out first to a long-term friend and previous neighbor who is a physician, and his field of practice is in that area. I previously sent him the information from the imaging center that diagnosed the blood clot, so he knew more about my circumstances than I did.
I appreciated his prompt response. However, I could have interpreted it a couple of ways. His text could be construed as talking out of both sides of his mouth. He wrote: "You are probably fine, but a worst possible case scenario would have terrible consequences. If you don't have to make that trip, I wouldn't. What was I supposed to do with that? I was now in an untenable situation.
I think it was Eleanor Roosevelt that said: "Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do and damned if you don't." How's that for Catch-22?
I didn't want to miss the meeting. From my perspective, being in attendance was important. From the General's perspective and that of my daughter who was even more outspoken, not so much.
I decided to punt! I would call my physician's office and let the decision lie with her. I had to leave a message with the doctor's receptionist, but she promised to get me an answer and said she would call me back. She didn't provide an answer that I could have interpreted as leaving the choice up to me. Under no circumstances based on the recently diagnosed blood clot, was I to fly. End of story – I was grounded.
I communicated to my physician friend that previously suggested that I do not fly: "I am going to forgo the flight." He responded: "A wise, conservative decision," to which I replied, "That is atypical for me." He immediately replied, "I know." What??? What was I thinking? I set myself up for that response.
Most of my decisions don't fall into the category of my being careless or taking unnecessary chances. I can't say with absolute certainty that I always make wise responsible choices because I can think of times that I didn't, but I'd like to think that it my automatic default.
In terms of my yielding to my doctor's mandate that I not fly, I pouted for about half a day. I selfishly wanted to be there is person. I thought it was important. Fortunately, I can be safely present for the two-day meeting electronically. That is preferrable to missing out altogether.
I have come full circle in my thought processes and acknowledge the risks associated to worst possible case scenario were too great to chance. My physician friend provided wise counsel. For that I am grateful.
All the Best!
Don
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