REFLECTIONS : Spoon-fed , Are We ? By Whom ?
A darling grandbaby is everybody ’ s joy . The first smile of recognition , the tiny fingers and toes , the color and thickness of its hair , the curly eyelashes , all are wondrous to the elders . Whether feisty or tranquil is noted and various traits are assigned to fawning uncles , aunts or ancestors . Even bald heads are desirable , but so are those full of hair !
These little darlings are suckled on mother ’ s breasts or storebought milk ( may the stores never run out !) and later spoon-fed with whatever is recommended ( in a variable world , whatever is available !). At its worst , think of war-torn or water-starved countries where famine is always knocking at the door .
Eventually , these babies grow and on their own , can choose or
by TERESITA BACANI-OROPILLA , MD
reject what to feed themselves , and do so .
Likewise , we , the people on this earth , have needs . These encompass not only the material , like food and water , but of thoughts and ideals to live by .
Who and where do these guidelines come from ? Who spoon-feeds us while we are seeking ?
Do we know our goals ? Who sets them ? Would any of these be among them : physical prowess ? Fame ? Riches ? Power ? Tranquility ? Peace of mind ? Use of our talents for our own good and for others - sometimes also called charity or love ?
Unlike babies and grandbabies who have no choice , and swallow what is spoon-fed to them , WE DO !
CHOOSE WELL ! Dr . Bacani-Oropilla is a retired pediatrician and psychiatrist .
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