To Wait or To Do

by Jan Murphy

Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite. Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance. Everyone is just waiting.
– Dr. Seuss

Those close to me give me an indulgent smile when faced with my obsession with Dr. House, around whom life revolves on TV’s House M.D. One of the many characteristics I love about the complicated diagnostic genius is his propensity for quoting everyone from Mick Jagger and Monty Python to the Bible and Aristotle.

But the true gems that come from his mouth are original. Once, during a conversation about change, a patient said to him, “Time changes everything.”

House replied, “It’s what people say; it’s not true. Doing things changes things; not doing things leaves things exactly as they were.” There are exceptions, of course, but I tend to agree.

Our first issue of the New Year features many stories of people who have not been content to trust that time alone would effect change. They are very much doers. Frank Davis developed his “Philosophy of Halves” on the road to better health. LeAnne Cantrell, determined to improve her son’s life, spearheaded a sensory playground project for children with special needs. Jeannine Meeds saved an architectural gem from oblivion once—and is now bringing it back to life a second time.

Octogenarians Louis Vargo and Bess Horstmann refused to just let time go by alone—they got married! A small band of Christian Brothers defied all odds to launch a legacy that will affect young northshore men well into the future. And Sandra Kazik, our New Year, New You contest winner, bravely said “Yes” to change by literally putting herself into the hands of professionals—with wonderful results!

I’m certain that none of them see themselves as role models, but it’s clear—at least to me—that their actions are inspiring.

Now, about those New Year’s resolutions …