Better Living Through Chemistry

The 2010-11 academic year officially begins today. At least for me at UNH-Manchester and for my daughter, Nancy, who is starting her first year at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. My son’s third year at Keene State began last week, so he’s officially ahead of us.

I am only taking one course this fall semester: General Chemistry I. I had registered for Biology I as well but I couldn’t get in immediately due to the day the lab section meets. At the moment I’m still on the wait list, but I have a feeling it won’t matter. Just as well anyway; I can figure out how I’ll deal with two courses in the spring. In addition, I’m actually going to apply for admission to UNH-Manchester for the Spring Semester of this academic year – right now I’m a non-degree, non-matriculated student, and this status makes it difficult to get into courses I need to have for the PA school pre-requisites process. So even if I don’t end up earning a second Bachelor’s degree (a BA this time instead of a second BS), it doesn’t matter. However, depending on how things, go, I may decide to go for it as a matter of general principle. We’ll see.

Different subject: I heard a song today that I haven’t heard for a very long time, and it got my attention. It was originally heard in 1979, and it was the only Top Ten song that year that wasn’t disco. At least that is the story I heard.

When I heard the song, I don’t know why but I immediately thought of my friend Susie and the continuing, unrelenting struggle her husband Hamada is dealing with. He is suffering from the effects of a long-term battle with Multiple Myeloma. Susie herself has talked and written extensively about the journey that they are on, and I strongly recommend reading her wonderful poetry as well as the continuing account of their life together with cancer.

I’ve told Susie this myself, but their love – and their courage – is incredible. Not many people have the wherewithal to handle something on this sort of scale. I have to think, however, that there must be days where, for both of them, it is too much to have to handle. And when I heard the song, it was the bridge that reminded me of how important the power of love is.

And when you feel afraid
(Love one another)
When you've lost your way
(Love one another)
And when you're all alone
(Love one another)
And when you're far from home
(Love one another)
And when you're down and out
(Love one another)
And when your hopes run out
(Love one another)
And when you need a friend
(Love one another)
And when you're near the end
(Love)
(We've got to love)
(We've got to love one another)

Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all
Set us free
Love is the answer