With Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

As always, we here in Minnesota are so grateful for the thoughtful comments and the heartfelt contributions from our digital community. We find it fascinating that commentaries from around the world focus on our struggles with fundamental issues. Let me explain.

A casual conversation over the weekend from a friend who was dealt a major financial and psychological blow was important to share. The individual was a prominent business person, early fifties, who went through a series of personal and financial reversals. The individual shared with me in so many words that life is not perfect; there is not always a rainbow; and sometimes our dreams do not turn out and we all do not live happily ever after.

But what this individual did underscore is the importance of dealing with adversity as it comes at us, seeking out friends and connections, and recognizing that each of us regardless of the credentials that we have, the size of our bank account, or our professional affiliation struggles with demons.

If we stay focused, and if we stay grounded, and if we concentrate on the power of relationships, we will survive. Life will never quite be the way it was but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and by focusing on each day and not being distracted by events too far in the future, we will endure and be strengthened by these experiences.

On another note, please clarify for me the story of the grasshopper and the ant. I think I must have missed that class in school!

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