The Emmy award nominations were this week, leading up to the telecast in September. Last month it was announced Angela Bassett and Mel Brooks would receive Oscars for their body of work. Lifetime achievement awards are often given in many career fields, but what about in real life? How many people on your block have received a lifetime achievement award?
I am reading Father Greg Boyle’s book, “Tattoos on the Heart.” He talks about reaching a certain age, coupled with people knowing he had been diagnosed with cancer, and the lifetime achievement awards he was receiving. There’s an irony to receiving a lifetime achievement award with the chance of dying laying in the wings.
What about the person diagnosed at sixteen, twenty-six, or thirty-six for example. Have they had time to contribute to society, so they too receive a lifetime achievement award? How do we discern who is worthy. Why are we looking at someone’s legacy instead of every moment of every day they play a part in the quilt of humanity?
I watch a lot of movies on the Hallmark channel. They’ve had numerous commercials for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. What about the two-year-old, or the eight-year-old. The commercials show the impact these children have had on their parents, other children in the hospital, the family and friends, not to mention a number of celebrities who are spokespeople for the organization. Why aren’t we having awards ceremonies for them?
I guess I’m asking how we honor everyone’s contribution to humanity because not everyone will live to a ripe old age. I’ve been working with individuals diagnosed with chronic and life-threatening illness for over thirty years. I’m well aware not everyone makes it to retirement age. However, no matte one’s age, your contribution is worthy of an award!
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Pilgrim Pathway 
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