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A Word From Our Associate&
Heart Healthy Diet
About two weeks ago now, my dad, Michael Sr., had a heart attack. We all thank God that it was not fatal. He is only 62 years old, and has plans for enjoying his retirement, which begins this July. He is now at home resting, and will be gearing up for a new exercise plan, combined with certain medications (blood thinners and all that). He will have to undergo more tests in the near future, because many of his veins are fairly clogged (70% in one main artery), and it remains likely that someday he will again face the possibility of heart surgery (to date, he has had one angioplasty). I thank many of you, for your concern and prayers!
Looking back into family history, I am not aware of many heart problems, mostly cancer issues. However, knowing that I've inherited my dad's genes, I am now faced with the risk that one day I too may suffer from a heart illness. As one parishioner said, with a smile, "So, I bet you're beginning to consider a heart healthy diet!" Yes indeed. The main problem is, I love cheese. Of all the fatty foods in the world (which I also enjoy), that one I just love to consume. How could anyone eat a sandwich without cheese, or snack crackers, or a burger, or Italian foods, etc.? Almost no lunch is complete, for me, without cheese (and meat). Fruits are great, and I'm trying to choose them more often, but they don't have that 'stick to your ribs,' or 'fill up your gut' kind of feeling. And vegetables never excite the appetite. I like corn and salad, but the real healthy stuff, broccoli, spinach, peas and beans-- oh man, I used to have some battles with my mother over those. Poor mom.
Well now I'm faced with a new issue. I could just blow it off and deal with it when I'm 60. Or maybe I'll have good luck, and it won't effect me as much as dad. But chances are it will, and maybe even more. So I'm thinking about what I must do. Definitely this requires prudence. And surely it will require temperance. And if it requires those two, then it will also require patience. Prudence can see into the future, while simultaneously judging what present actions are truly good for the soul and body. Temperance governs the appetites of eating and drinking (and sex), so that one would not forfeit a long-term goal, for a short-term good (e.g., health and longevity of life for the good tasting, juicy, fatty foods now). And patience is needed, 'cause it takes a long time to build such virtues in one's life. I believe God wants us to enjoy such powers (virtues). Growing in them is part of what the Catholic Church calls, "Sanctification". They require a lot of practice, but once obtained, they bring incredible freedom. So Lord, only with your help, I'll pledge to try harder. And for all you heart patients out there, I'll see you at Subway, and the salad bar. And if you see me at McDonald's, don't say too much (cause I'm weak), just smile, and be encouraged, that there are others out there who still have a lot of work to do. Y
-- Fr. Michael Becker
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