It was around September; fall was upon us, when I felt a swollen gland in my throat and asked myself, “How could I catch a cold this time of year?” In addition to not feeling well, I felt a little down because this time of year, right before it starts to get cold, I always look back on the whole year. Then I realize I haven't done anything special or exciting other than work; I didn't travel, I didn't have a "first time" story for the year, and I didn't complete anything on my "always wanted to" list. My mind wandered back to the cold and I wondered if a visit to the family doctor would cure my throat with antibiotics or if I should make a quick stop at the local Walgreens, for some over-the-counter cold remedies. My decision was to see my family doctor, Mr. Rivers, who for those of you old enough to remember may have stepped out of an episode of Marcus Welby, MD. The stately and distinguished Dr. Rivers, older with slightly gray hair, used his standard torch with the confidence of an experienced sorcerer. After a quick glance down his throat and the familiar “ah” as he listened with the stethoscope, he always gave his patients the diagnosis before leaving. This time the visit had a different feel because not only did the right side of my throat still hurt, but now a strange earache had emerged on the right side. To boost my already “down in the dumps,” Dr. Rivers seriously advised me, “You need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.” For the first time in any episode that I could remember, Dr. Marcus Welby, aka Dr. Rivers, failed to cure his patient and I was advised to make an appointment with a Dr. Wright. Trujillo 2While the pain was intensifying, especially during the meal or swa...... middle of paper ...... terribly painful, I had time to think about my life and the changes I had promised to make or that, depending on my diagnosis, I would have had time to do. Would I have the courage to do scary and crazy things off my list? Or would I “play it safe” and just follow my routine? Every time the phone rang, my heart pounded and I answered nervously with a trembling voice. Ultimately, the phone sealed my fate, the results came in and the cyst is not malignant, my prayers to God sent daily and sometimes hourly were answered. Life is precious; I was given a second chance. Thanks to God's timing, I now decide to live life to the fullest, Trujillo 4I never stop thanking him for the things he grants me. The line from Tim McGraw's song goes "Live like you're dying", now my mantra for life that is never forgotten and always gets turned up loud when it comes on the radio.