So, glowing in the dark isn’t an option yet.  I could be disappointed, but I’m not….imagine how hard it would be to sleep when your body is emitting so much light!

Last night my neighbors stealthily placed sour Starburst jellybeans and a springtime bouquet of daisies on my front doorstep.  Those were cheerful and needed reminders of life when my mouth tastes like metal and I feel “uckie”.  When I opened the door, they were across the street watching me (as they should be since I’m emitting radioactive stuff to anyone within 3 feet of me for the next few days).

Upon opening the front door I also realized that my wildflowers were blooming like crazy in the front flowerbed and more beautiful purple bearded iris were popping open too!  This morning I gazed out the window to enjoy the tender beauty of their petals as the sun was barely opening his eyes. Thank God we have hopeful spring times when we are sad, lonely or just tasting like metallic I 131. 

While the ongoing joke has been about me as the glow-worm, it’s the truth that I am thankful for treatments for cancer.  There are times when I view the diseases I have, and the desperation for cures with humor.  But today, I sit here with the poison coursing through my veins and organs; I’m a little more pensive. I do realize that for many of you swallowing radioactive iodine is as taboo as using stem cells for research in order to find cures for awful diseases.  

I’m sure that in your shoes your decision seems reasonable and right for your bodies and brains.  Thank God I can be different than you. The only difference between your fervency to preserve embryonic stem cells that are frozen and my fervency to see that they are used for research is the basic premise of life itself.  You believe that the cell is actually a person.  I do not.  You believe that using the stem cell is killing a person.  I do not.  You believe that the life of a cell is more precious than the life of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and children who already are alive on this earth suffering from diseases you cannot comprehend.  I do not.  You believe that the life of the cell is more important that the life of someone who has not yet had the opportunity to choose Jesus as their Savior.  I do not. Thank God I don’t have to be you. 

The Lord God gave me a brain with which to make decisions that are right, moral and true to His Word.  No where in my Bible does it say, “Thou shall not kill a cell that is frozen and may be flushed or may not make it to becoming a human person.” 

I’ve become so much more philosophical in my views about stem cell research.  I’m pleased with the progress on every front of using these cells.  It doesn’t matter if they are stem cells from embryos or scraped from the backs of my knees.  I’m grateful for the many men and women who have courage, intelligence and determination to mediate someone’s suffering here on earth.

Meanwhile, I’ll radiate I 131 and support scientific research on all stem cells without hesitation.  It’s satisfying to know that God gives me the privilege and ability to enjoy springtime regardless of what anyone else thinks!